History of David Ortiz in Timeline

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

1931: Comparison to Ruth and Gehrig

In 2004, David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez became the first pair of AL teammates since Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig in 1931 to both hit 40 home runs, have 100 RBIs, and bat .300.

1938: Tying Foxx's Record

In 2006, David Ortiz tied Jimmie Foxx's single season Red Sox home run record of 50 that was set in 1938.

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

November 28, 1992: Signed by Seattle Mariners

On November 28, 1992, just 10 days after his 17th birthday, David Ortiz was signed by the Seattle Mariners, who listed him as "David Arias."

1992: Twins' Last Winning Season Before 2001

In 2001, the Twins had their first winning season since 1992.

1994: Professional Debut

In 1994, David Ortiz made his professional debut for the Mariners of the Arizona League, batting .246 with two home runs and 20 RBI.

1995: Improved Performance

By 1995, David Ortiz had improved his numbers to .332 with four home runs and 37 RBI.

September 13, 1996: Trade to Minnesota Twins

On September 13, 1996, David Ortiz was traded to the Minnesota Twins as the player to be named later to complete an earlier transaction for Dave Hollins, and he requested to be listed as "David Ortiz."

1996: Promotion to Single-A

In 1996, David Ortiz was promoted to the Single-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers of the Midwest League, a Mariners farm team, where he batted .322 with 18 home runs and 93 RBI.

September 2, 1997: MLB Debut for the Twins

On September 2, 1997, David Ortiz made his MLB debut for the Twins. During September, he batted .327 in 49 at bats, hitting his first major league home run on September 14.

1997: MLB Debut

In 1997, David Ortiz began his 20-season Major League Baseball (MLB) career, playing for both the Minnesota Twins and later the Boston Red Sox.

1997: Progression through Twins System

In 1997, David Ortiz quickly progressed through the Twins system, hitting .317 with 31 home runs and 124 RBI across three levels, earning a September call-up to the Twins' MLB club.

1998: Wrist Fracture and Rookie Season

In 1998, David Ortiz aimed to be the Twins' regular first baseman, but after batting .306 through May 9, he fractured his wrist and went on the disabled list. He returned in July and finished the season batting .277 with nine home runs and 46 RBI in 86 games.

1999: Sent to Triple-A

In 1999, after a tough spring training, David Ortiz was sent down to the Triple-A Salt Lake Buzz as Doug Mientkiewicz earned the first base job. Despite a strong minor league season, Ortiz struggled upon his September call-up, failing to register a hit in 20 at-bats.

June 2000: Established as MLB Regular

By June 2000, David Ortiz established himself as an MLB regular with the Twins. On June 9, he hit his first MLB home run in over a year, and on September 7, he hit his first major league grand slam.

2001: Injury and Production Dip

In 2001, David Ortiz started strong but a wrist fracture landed him on the disabled list. After returning, his production was affected, finishing with a .234 average. The Twins had their first winning season since 1992.

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.

August 2002: Home Run Against Pedro Martinez

In August 2002, David Ortiz hit a memorable home run off of his friend Pedro Martínez.

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.

2003: Major League Baseball Survey Testing

In 2003, David Ortiz allegedly tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs during Major League Baseball survey testing. The survey testing was agreed to by Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association to determine the extent of performance-enhancing drug use among players before permanent testing was officially implemented starting in 2004.

2003: MLB Commissioner Comments on Drug Test

In 2003, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred stated that it was "entirely possible" David Ortiz did not test positive during the MLB survey drug testing in 2003 and that the alleged failed test should not harm his legacy. He emphasized that there were "legitimate scientific questions about whether or not those were truly positives".

2003: MLB and MLBPA Statement

In 2003, Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association stated that any player appearing on the list compiled by federal investigators in 2003 did not necessarily test positive for performance-enhancing drugs. Among those factors were that the total number of players said to be on the list far exceeded the number of collected specimens that tested positive.

2003: Free Agency Consideration

In 2011, David Ortiz headed for free agency for the first time since being released by the Twins in 2003.

2003: 2003 Postseason Performance

In the 2003 postseason, David Ortiz struggled initially in the ALDS but hit a crucial two-run double in Game 4. In the ALCS against the Yankees, he hit two home runs, including one in Game 7, though the Red Sox ultimately lost the series.

2003: Released by Twins

On December 16, 2003, the Twins released David Ortiz as a cost-cutting move after being unable to trade him.

2004: 2004 Postseason Walk-Off Home Runs

During the 2004 postseason, David Ortiz had two walk-off home runs, with the first clinching the AL Division Series.

2004: Salary Agreement

In 2004, David Ortiz and the Red Sox agreed to a $4.6 million salary, avoiding arbitration hearings. Ortiz's camp initially sought $5 million, while the Red Sox countered with $4.2 million.

2004: All-Star Selection, Suspension, and Silver Slugger

In 2004, David Ortiz continued his strong performance, hitting his 100th career home run on May 28th and signing a two-year contract extension with the Red Sox for $12.5 million. He earned his first All-Star selection, hitting a home run in the All-Star Game. In July, he was suspended for three games following an incident in a game against the Angels. He concluded the 2004 season with impressive stats, including 41 home runs and 139 RBI, earning him his first Silver Slugger award.

2004: World Series Championship

In 2004, David Ortiz played a leading role in ending the Boston Red Sox's 86-year World Series championship drought.

2004: MLB Implemented Testing

In 2004, Major League Baseball officially implemented permanent testing for performance-enhancing drugs. The survey testing was agreed to by Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association to determine the extent of performance-enhancing drug use among players before permanent testing was officially implemented starting in 2004.

2004: ALCS MVP and World Series Champion

In the 2004 postseason, David Ortiz led the Red Sox to their first World Series title in 86 years, earning the AL Championship Series MVP after multiple game-winning hits, and ultimately sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2004 World Series.

2004: MLB Commissioner Comments on Drug Test

Since MLB began testing in 2004, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred stated that Ortiz had never tested positive.

2004: Postseason Production

Starting in 2004, throughout 85 postseason games including 3 World Series (2004,'07,'13) Ortiz had a batting average of .289 (88-for-304) with 22 doubles, 2 triples, 17 home runs, 61 RBI, 59 walks, .404 on-base percentage, .543 slugging percentage, and .947 on-base plus slugging percentage.

2005: Career Highs and Clutch Hits

In 2005, David Ortiz set career highs with 47 home runs and 148 RBI. Throughout 2005, he had several late-inning heroics, leading to the Red Sox presenting him with a plaque proclaiming him "the greatest clutch-hitter in the history of the Boston Red Sox."

2006: Single-Season Home Run Record

In 2006, David Ortiz set the Boston Red Sox's single-season record of 54 home runs.

2006: Contract Extension and Record-Breaking Home Runs

On April 10, 2006, the Red Sox announced a four-year, $52 million contract extension with David Ortiz. He later tied and broke Jimmie Foxx's single-season Red Sox home run record, finishing the 2006 season with a career-high 54 home runs.

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.

2007: World Series Title and Career-Best Batting Average

In 2007, David Ortiz played a crucial role in leading the Red Sox to their seventh World Series title. He had a career-best .332 batting average and secured his fourth consecutive All-Star selection. He finished fourth in the AL MVP voting and captured the Silver Slugger at DH again.

2007: Second World Series Championship

In 2007, David Ortiz won another World Series championship with the Boston Red Sox.

2007: Return to First Base

In 2009, David Ortiz played first base for the first time since the 2007 season.

2007: Postseason Performance and World Series Victory

In the 2007 postseason, David Ortiz batted .714 against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the Division Series, with two home runs. He then hit .333 in the 2007 World Series, contributing to the Red Sox's victory over the Colorado Rockies.

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: Offensive Decline

From 2008, David Ortiz experienced a drop in his offensive numbers.

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.

2008: Wrist Injury and All-Star Selection

In 2008, David Ortiz had a slow start due to a wrist injury, playing in 109 games with 23 home runs and 89 RBI and batting .264. Despite these challenges, Ortiz was named to his fifth All-Star team in 2008.

July 30, 2009: Report of Positive Drug Test

On July 30, 2009, The New York Times reported that David Ortiz was among a group of players who allegedly tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs during Major League Baseball survey testing conducted in 2003.

August 8, 2009: Ortiz Denies Steroid Use

On August 8, 2009, David Ortiz held a press conference at Yankee Stadium and denied ever buying or using steroids, suggesting that a positive test might have been due to his use of supplements and vitamins. He was accompanied by Michael Weiner, the general counsel of the Major League Baseball Players Association.

October 2009: Ortiz Opens Nightclub

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

2009: 300th Career Home Run and DH Record

David Ortiz broke out of an early slump in June 2009 and hit his 300th career home run on July 9th. On September 17th, Ortiz hit his 270th career home run as a DH, breaking the all-time record.

April 2010: Jay-Z Sues Ortiz

In April 2010, rapper 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.

2010: Home Run Derby Win and Resurgence

David Ortiz had a slow start in 2010 but rebounded to finish the year with 32 home runs and 102 RBI. At the All-Star Game in 2010, Ortiz won the Home Run Derby contest.

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.

2011: Contract Option Picked Up

At the end of the 2010 season, the Red Sox announced that they would pick up the $12.5 million team option on his contract for 2011.

2011: Milestones, Suspension, and Clemente Award

In 2011, David Ortiz surpassed Edgar Martínez for the most RBI by a designated hitter and became the fifth player to hit 300 home runs as a Red Sox. He was suspended for four games following a brawl with Kevin Gregg of the Orioles. He won the Roberto Clemente Award in 2011.

August 2012: Return from Injury

On April 20, 2013, it was also David Ortiz's first game since August 2012 after an Achilles tendon injury.

2012: 400th Career Home Run and Achilles Injury

In 2012, David Ortiz hit his 400th career home run on July 4th. Later that month, on July 16th, he suffered an Achilles tendon injury, sidelining him for a significant portion of the 2012 season.

2012: Salary Arbitration Agreement

On December 7, 2011, David Ortiz accepted the Red Sox offer of salary arbitration for the 2012 season, avoiding hearings by agreeing to a $14.575 million figure.

2012: Offensive Decline

Up until 2012, David Ortiz experienced a drop in his offensive numbers.

2013: Third World Series Championship and MVP Award

In 2013, David Ortiz won his third World Series championship with the Boston Red Sox and was named the World Series Most Valuable Player.

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.

March 23, 2014: Contract Extension

On March 23, 2014, David Ortiz signed a one-year, $16 million contract extension for the 2015 season.

November 18, 2015: Ortiz Announces Retirement

On November 18, 2015, which was his 40th birthday, David Ortiz announced on The Players' Tribune that he would retire following the 2016 season.

2015: Ortiz's 2015 Season

In 2015, Ortiz achieved 37 home runs and 108 RBI while batting .273, securing his place in the top 10 in the AL for both home runs and RBIs for the eighth occasion in his career.

2015: Contract Extension Details

In March 23, 2014, David Ortiz's contract extension included two team option years, potentially keeping him under contract with the Red Sox through the 2017 season.

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.

October 2, 2016: MLB Commissioner Comments on Drug Test

On October 2, 2016, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred stated that it was "entirely possible" David Ortiz did not test positive during the MLB survey drug testing in 2003 and that the alleged failed test should not harm his legacy. He emphasized that there were "legitimate scientific questions about whether or not those were truly positives" and that Ortiz had never tested positive since MLB began testing in 2004.

2016: Retirement Season

In 2016, David Ortiz announced that he would retire following the 2016 season.

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.

2016: Hank Aaron Award and Esurance MLB Award

In 2016, David Ortiz won his second Hank Aaron Award and was named the Esurance MLB/This Year in Baseball Award winner for Best Hitter.

2016: Ortiz's Final Season Performance

In his final season, 2016, David Ortiz hit 38 home runs, had 127 RBI, and batted .315, leading the AL and MLB with a 1.021 OPS, .620 slugging percentage, 87 extra-base hits, and 48 doubles. He also finished tied for first in the AL in RBI with Edwin Encarnación.

October 2017: Joins MLB on Fox

In October 2017, David Ortiz joined MLB on Fox as a part-time sports analyst for the coverage of the 2017 World Series.

2017: Roast Raises Funds for Children's Fund

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

2017: Retirement Ceremony and Bridge Dedication

In 2017, during a pregame ceremony at Fenway Park on October 2, the Red Sox announced that David Ortiz's uniform number 34 would be retired. Additionally, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker announced that the bridge carrying Brookline Avenue over the Massachusetts Turnpike would be dedicated in honor of Ortiz.

2017: Potential Contract End

On March 23, 2014, David Ortiz's contract extension included two team option years, potentially keeping him under contract with the Red Sox through the 2017 season.

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.

June 2019: Returns as Full-Time Analyst

Following the June 2019 shooting, David Ortiz returned in late 2019 as a full-time studio analyst for MLB on Fox.

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.

2022: Hall of Fame Election

In 2022, David Ortiz was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.

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.