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 MLB designated hitter. He played for 20 seasons (1997-2016), primarily for the Boston Red Sox, after beginning with the Minnesota Twins. Ortiz was instrumental in ending the Red Sox's 86-year World Series drought in 2004, and also won championships in 2007 and 2013, earning the World Series MVP in 2013. In his initial years with the Red Sox, Ortiz averaged 41 home runs and 128 RBIs, leading the AL twice in RBIs and setting a team record with 54 home runs in 2006, consistently placing high in AL MVP voting.

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, later nicknamed "Big Papi", was born. He would become a Dominican-American professional baseball designated hitter.

Others born on this day/year

January 2002: Ortiz's mother dies

In January 2002, David Ortiz's mother died in a car crash at the age of 46. Following this event, Ortiz would point both index fingers to the sky each time he crossed the plate after hitting a home run in tribute to her.

April 2007: Reebok debuts Big Papi 10M Mid Baseball 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 in San Francisco, California.

2007: Ortiz founds the David Ortiz Children's Fund

In 2007, David Ortiz established the David Ortiz Children's Fund to support various causes and aid children from Boston to the Dominican Republic.

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: Ortiz allows his likeness to be used on a 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 David Ortiz Children's Fund.

October 2009: Ortiz opens nightclub

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

April 2010: Jay-Z sues Ortiz

In April 2010, rapper and producer Jay-Z and his business partner Juan Perez sued David Ortiz for trademark infringement, alleging that the name of Ortiz's nightclub was stolen from Jay-Z's chain of sports clubs in New York.

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 over the name of his nightclub.

August 2012: Previous Game Before Injury

The 2013 Opening day game was David Ortiz's first game since August 2012 after an Achilles tendon injury.

2013: Orioles present Ortiz with mangled dugout phone

During David Ortiz's final season, the Baltimore Orioles presented Ortiz with the mangled dugout phone he had destroyed with a bat back in 2013.

2013: Emotional Speech and Career Milestones

In 2013, David Ortiz delivered an emotional speech at Fenway Park after the Boston Marathon bombing, stating "This is our fucking city." He also reached his 500th career double and 2,000th career hit, and became the all-time leader for hits by a designated hitter. He also hit 30 home runs during the 2013 season.

November 18, 2015: Ortiz announces retirement

On November 18, 2015, David Ortiz, on his 40th birthday, announced his plans to retire after the 2016 season, making the announcement on The Players' Tribune website.

April 11, 2016: Ortiz's daughter sings national anthem

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

September 2016: Ortiz comments on Donald 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: Ortiz joins UNICEF Kid Power as brand ambassador

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

2016: Ortiz convinces Al Horford to sign with the Celtics

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

2016: Ortiz announces retirement

On November 18, 2015, David Ortiz announced he would retire following the 2016 season.

2017: Roast of Ortiz raises money for Children's Fund

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

2018: Ortiz hosts 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. Authorities stated that Ortiz was "ambushed by a man who got off a motorcycle" and shot him in the back. He underwent multiple surgeries and was released from the hospital on July 26.

2021: Ortiz becomes a paid spokesperson for FTX

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

July 2022: Ortiz launches "Papi Cannabis" line

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

July 24, 2022: Ortiz's daughter sings national anthem at Hall of Fame induction

On July 24, 2022, David Ortiz's daughter sang the national anthem before his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

2023: Ortiz finalizes divorce

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

2023: Ortiz's daughter graduates from Berklee College of Music

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

August 2024: David Ortiz Jr. signed by the Texas Rangers

In August 2024, David Ortiz Jr. was signed as an international free agent by the Texas Rangers after playing baseball at Miami Dade College and being drafted by the Red Sox in the 19th round of the 2024 Major League Baseball draft.

2024: Birth of Ortiz's son

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

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.

2026: Ortiz competes on The Masked Singer

In 2026, David Ortiz, as "Googly Eyes," competed in season fourteen of The Masked Singer. He was the first to be eliminated in the season premiere, alongside Todd and Julie Chrisley as "Croissants".

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