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, known as "Big Papi", is a Dominican-American former MLB designated hitter and first baseman who played for 20 seasons (1997-2016), mainly with the Boston Red Sox. After a modest start with the Minnesota Twins, he became a key player for the Red Sox, helping them break their 86-year World Series drought in 2004 and win further championships in 2007 and 2013. He was named World Series MVP in 2013. In his first five seasons with the Red Sox, he averaged 41 home runs and 128 RBIs, leading the AL twice in RBIs. He also finished in the top five in AL MVP voting for five consecutive years.

Sections (6)

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

November 18, 1975: David Ortiz's Birth

On November 18, 1975, David Américo Ortiz Arias, nicknamed "Big Papi", was born. He later became a Dominican-American professional baseball designated hitter and first baseman.

Others born on this day/year

January 2002: Death of Mother

In January 2002, David Ortiz's mother passed away in a car crash at the age of 46. As a tribute, Ortiz would point to the sky after hitting a home run and has a tattoo of his mother on his biceps.

August 2002: Encounter with Pedro Martínez

After his release from the Twins, David Ortiz had a chance encounter with Pedro Martínez at a restaurant in the Dominican Republic, and Martinez remembered the home run he had given up to Ortiz in August 2002, and encouraged the Red Sox to sign Ortiz.

2002: Death of his Mother and Career Best Season

In 2002, David Ortiz faced the death of his mother, but he prepared hard for the season. He had a tale of two seasons, but after the All-Star break, he turned in one of the better second halves in baseball. He finished with career bests in home runs and RBI, and he hit his first career walk-off home run. The Twins qualified for the postseason.

April 2007: Reebok Debuts Big Papi Cleat

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

2007: Founds David Ortiz Children's Fund

In 2007, Ortiz founded the David Ortiz Children's Fund to support various causes and help children in Boston, the Dominican Republic, and beyond.

June 11, 2008: Becomes a U.S. Citizen

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

2008: Charity Wine Label

In 2008, Ortiz's likeness was 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, Ortiz opened a nightclub called "Forty-Forty" in his native Dominican Republic.

March 2011: Settlement Deal Reached

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

2013: Dugout Phone Incident

In 2013, during a game, Ortiz had an outburst that resulted in him destroying a dugout phone with a bat. Later in his final season, the Baltimore Orioles presented Ortiz with the mangled dugout phone he had destroyed as a gift.

April 11, 2016: Alex Veda Sings National Anthem

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

September 2016: Ortiz Comments on Trump's Remarks

In a September 2016 interview, Ortiz expressed his disapproval of remarks made by then-candidate Donald Trump about Mexican immigrants, calling them a "slap in the face" to Latinos.

2016: Joins UNICEF Kid Power

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

2016: Recruits Al Horford to Celtics

In 2016, as a fan of the Boston Celtics, Ortiz convinced Dominican NBA player Al Horford to sign with the team.

2017: Roast Raises Funds for Children's Fund

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

2018: Hosts Podcast

In 2018, Ortiz co-hosted a podcast series, "David Ortiz: The Big Papi Story" with Michael Chiklis, comprising four episodes discussing his life and career.

June 9, 2019: Ortiz Shot in Dominican Republic

On June 9, 2019, Ortiz was shot and severely wounded at the Dial Bar and Lounge in East Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He underwent multiple surgeries to repair damage to his intestines, colon, gallbladder, and liver. He was released from the hospital on July 26, after a third surgery.

2021: FTX Spokesperson

In 2021, Ortiz became a paid spokesperson for FTX, a cryptocurrency exchange, alongside other high-profile athletes and celebrities.

July 2022: Launches Papi Cannabis Line

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