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 professional baseball designated hitter. He played 20 seasons in MLB (1997-2016), mostly for the Boston Red Sox. After playing with the Minnesota Twins for six seasons, he joined the Red Sox and played a key role in ending their 86-year World Series drought in 2004, and won championships in 2007 and 2013, being 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 and setting the team's single-season record of 54 home runs in 2006. He consistently ranked in the top five for the AL MVP award during those 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, later known as "Big Papi", was born. He would go on to become a Dominican-American professional baseball designated hitter.

Others born on this day/year

January 2002: Ortiz's mother dies in car crash

In January 2002, David Ortiz's mother died in a car crash at the age of 46.

2002: Tragedy and Career Best Season

In 2002, David Ortiz faced the tragedy of his mother's death, battled knee injuries, and had a tale of two seasons, with a disappointing first half followed by a strong second half. He hit a memorable home run off Pedro Martínez on August 16 and finished with career bests in home runs and RBI.

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.

June 11, 2008: Ortiz becomes a United States citizen

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

October 2009: Ortiz opens nightclub in Dominican Republic

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

March 2011: Ortiz reaches settlement with Jay-Z

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

August 2012: Return to Fenway after Achilles injury

On April 20, 2013, before the first game played at Fenway Park since the Boston Marathon bombing and his first since August 2012 after an Achilles tendon injury, Ortiz spoke emotionally to the crowd and stated, "This is our fucking city, and no one is going to dictate our freedom. Stay strong."

2013: Return from injury and Fenway speech

In 2013, David Ortiz rebounded from his injury, hitting 30 home runs with 103 RBI and batting .309. On April 20, 2013, before the first game at Fenway Park since the Boston Marathon bombing, Ortiz gave an emotional speech, stating, "This is our fucking city, and no one is going to dictate our freedom. Stay strong."

2013: Baltimore Orioles present Ortiz with mangled dugout phone

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

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

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

September 2016: Ortiz criticizes 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.

2018: Ortiz hosts podcast "David Ortiz: The Big Papi Story"

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 damage to his intestines, colon, gallbladder, and liver.

2021: Ortiz becomes spokesperson for FTX

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

July 2022: Ortiz launches "Papi Cannabis" line

In July 2022, David Ortiz launched his "Papi Cannabis" line of cannabis products in collaboration with the company Rev Brands. Ortiz stated that cannabis has helped him relax, sleep better, manage stress, and heal physically after a lifetime of playing ball.

July 24, 2022: Ortiz's daughter sings the national 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.

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, Alex, graduated from Berklee College of Music in Boston.

August 2024: David Jr. signed as international free agent

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

2024: Ortiz's son Diego is born

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

March 2025: Ortiz proposes to his girlfriend

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

2025: Ortiz endorses Michelle Wu for mayor

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.