Early Life and Education of David Ortiz: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of David Ortiz. From birth to education, explore key events.

David Ortiz, nicknamed "Big Papi," is a Dominican-American former designated hitter who played 20 MLB seasons (1997-2016), mainly for the Boston Red Sox. After playing six seasons with the Minnesota Twins, he became a cornerstone of the Red Sox, helping end their 86-year World Series drought in 2004 and winning further championships in 2007 and 2013, earning the World Series MVP award in 2013. During his first five seasons with the Red Sox, Ortiz averaged 41 home runs and 128 RBIs, twice leading the AL in RBIs and setting a team record of 54 home runs in 2006. He consistently ranked among the top five in AL MVP voting during those five years.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

November 18, 1975: David Ortiz Born

On November 18, 1975, David Américo Ortiz Arias, nicknamed "Big Papi", was born. He is a Dominican-American former professional baseball designated hitter.

Others born on this day/year

January 2002: Death of Ortiz's Mother

In January 2002, David Ortiz's mother died in a car crash at the age of 46. As a tribute, Ortiz would point both index fingers to the sky after hitting a home run.

2002: Mother's Death and Career Year

In 2002, David Ortiz faced personal tragedy with the death of his mother on New Year's Day. Despite battling knee injuries, he turned in a strong second half of the season, finishing with career bests in home runs and RBI. On August 16, he hit a home run off Pedro Martínez and on September 25, he hit his first career walk-off home run. The Twins also qualified for the postseason.

April 2007: Reebok Debuts Big Papi Cleat

In April 2007, Reebok debuted the Big Papi 10M Mid Baseball cleat, which David Ortiz first used during the 2007 MLB All-Star Game.

2007: Founds David Ortiz Children's Fund

In 2007, David Ortiz founded the David Ortiz Children's Fund to support a range of his favorite causes and to help children, from Boston to the Dominican Republic and beyond.

June 11, 2008: Ortiz Becomes US Citizen

On June 11, 2008, David Ortiz became a United States citizen at the John F. Kennedy Library in Boston.

2008: Vintage Papi Charity Wine Label

In 2008, David Ortiz allowed his likeness to be used on a charity wine label, called Vintage Papi, with proceeds going to the Children's Fund.

October 2009: Ortiz Opens Nightclub

In October 2009, David Ortiz opened a nightclub called "Forty-Forty" in his native Dominican Republic.

March 2011: Ortiz Settles Lawsuit with Jay-Z

In March 2011, David Ortiz reached a settlement deal with Jay-Z and Perez regarding the trademark infringement lawsuit.

2013: Orioles present Ortiz with mangled dugout phone

In 2013, the Baltimore Orioles presented David Ortiz with the mangled dugout phone he had destroyed with a bat from his 2013 outburst.

2013: Boston Marathon Bombing Speech and Milestones

On April 20, 2013, before the first game at Fenway Park since the Boston Marathon bombing, David Ortiz delivered an emotional speech, declaring, "This is our fucking city, and no one is going to dictate our freedom." During 2013, he also achieved his 500th career double on July 2nd and his 2,000th career hit on September 4th.

April 11, 2016: Daughter Sings Anthem at Home Opener

On April 11, 2016, David Ortiz's daughter Alex sang the national anthem before the Red Sox home opener.

September 2016: Ortiz Comments on Trump's Remarks

In a September 2016 interview, David Ortiz commented that remarks about Mexican immigrants made by then-candidate Donald Trump during his campaign in that year's United States presidential election "didn't sit well with me", calling them a "slap in the face" to Latinos.

2016: Convinces Horford to Sign with Celtics

In 2016, David Ortiz convinced Dominican NBA player Al Horford to sign with the Boston Celtics.

2016: Joins UNICEF Kid Power

In 2016, David Ortiz joined UNICEF Kid Power as a brand ambassador Kid Power Champion for a global mission in Burkina Faso.

2017: Roast Raises Funds for Children's Fund

In 2017, a roast of David Ortiz raised $335,000 for his Children's Fund.

2018: Hosts The Big Papi Story Podcast

In 2018, David Ortiz hosted a podcast, David Ortiz: The Big Papi Story alongside Michael Chiklis. The series had four episodes and discussed Ortiz's life and career.

June 9, 2019: Ortiz Shot in Dominican Republic

On June 9, 2019, David Ortiz was shot and severely wounded while at the Dial Bar and Lounge in East Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He underwent multiple surgeries to repair the damage.

May 21, 2020: Restraining Order Issued Against Ortiz

On May 21, 2020, a restraining order was issued against David Ortiz by Fary Almanzar Fernandez, the mother of his oldest son, ordering him to refrain from "annoying, intimidating or threatening his former partner in person or by phone."

November 22, 2021: Hall of Fame Ballot Announcement

On November 22, 2021, David Ortiz was included on the 2022 ballot for the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

2021: Ortiz Spokesperson for FTX

In 2021, David Ortiz, among other high-profile athletes and celebrities, was a paid spokesperson for FTX, a cryptocurrency exchange.

January 25, 2022: Elected to Hall of Fame

On January 25, 2022, David Ortiz was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame with 77.9% of the vote.

July 2022: Launches Papi Cannabis Line

In July 2022, David Ortiz launched his "Papi Cannabis" line of cannabis products in collaboration with the company Rev Brands, citing its benefits for relaxation, sleep, stress management, and physical healing.

July 24, 2022: Daughter Sings Anthem at Hall of Fame Induction

On July 24, 2022, David Ortiz's daughter Alex sang the national anthem before her father was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

November 2022: FTX Files for Bankruptcy

In November 2022, FTX, for which David Ortiz was a paid spokesperson, filed for bankruptcy, resulting in billions of dollars in customer funds being wiped out. Ortiz, alongside other spokespeople, is currently being sued for promoting unregistered securities through a class-action lawsuit.

2023: Divorce Finalized

In 2023, David Ortiz and his ex-wife, Tiffany, finalized their divorce.

2023: Daughter graduates from Berklee College of Music

In 2023, David Ortiz's daughter Alex graduated from Berklee College of Music in Boston.

August 2024: David Ortiz Jr. Signed by Texas Rangers

In August 2024, David Ortiz Jr. was signed as an international free agent by the Texas Rangers.

2024: Birth of Son Diego

In 2024, David Ortiz and his girlfriend Maria Yeribel had a son named Diego.

Others born on this day/year

March 2025: Proposed to Girlfriend

In March 2025, David Ortiz proposed to his girlfriend Maria Yeribel.

2025: Ortiz Endorses Michelle Wu

In 2025, David Ortiz made his first-ever political endorsement, encouraging Boston voters to re-elect Michelle Wu as mayor in the city's mayoral election.