History of David Ortiz in Timeline
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.
1931: Comparison to Ruth and Gehrig
In 2004, David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez became the first pair of AL teammates to hit 40 home runs, have 100 RBIs, and bat .300 since Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig of the Yankees achieved the same feat in 1931.
1938: Tying Jimmie Foxx's record
On September 20, 2006 at Fenway Park, David Ortiz tied Jimmie Foxx's single season Red Sox home run record of 50 set in 1938.
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.
November 28, 1992: Signing with the 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' First Winning Season Since 1992
In 2001, the Twins had their first winning season since 1992.
1994: Professional Debut in the Arizona League
In 1994, David Ortiz made his professional debut for the Mariners in the Arizona League, batting .246 with two home runs and 20 RBI.
1995: Improved Performance in the Arizona League
By 1995, David Ortiz had improved his performance in the Arizona League, batting .332 with four home runs and 37 RBI.
September 13, 1996: Trade to the 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. He requested to be listed as "David Ortiz".
1996: Promotion to Single-A and Recognition
In 1996, David Ortiz was promoted to the Single-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, where he established himself as a top hitting prospect and was named the most exciting player in the Midwest League by Baseball America.
September 2, 1997: MLB Debut for the Twins
On September 2, 1997, David Ortiz made his MLB debut for the Minnesota Twins.
1997: Ortiz's MLB Debut
In 1997, David Ortiz began his 20-season career in Major League Baseball.
1997: Rise Through the Twins System
In 1997, David Ortiz quickly progressed through the Twins system, reaching Triple-A and earning a September call-up to the Twins' MLB club.
1998: Ortiz's 1998 Season
In 1998, David Ortiz aimed to play as the regular first baseman for the Twins, faced challenges with manager Tom Kelly's preferred style, fractured his wrist, and finished the season batting .277 with nine home runs and 46 RBI in 86 games.
1999: Sent Down to Triple-A
In 1999, after a tough spring training, David Ortiz was sent down to the Triple-A Salt Lake Buzz, and later earned a September call-up but struggled.
June 2000: Establishing Himself as a Regular
By June 2000, David Ortiz finally established himself as an MLB regular, primarily as a designated hitter for the Twins.
2001: Injury and Inconsistent Performance
In 2001, David Ortiz started strong but suffered another wrist fracture, affecting his production and leading to a disappointing .234 average, though he showed promise with 11 home runs in the final two months.
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.
August 2002: Home Run off Pedro Martínez
After his release from the Twins, Ortiz had a chance encounter with Pedro Martinez who remembered the home run Ortiz had hit off him in August 2002.
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.
2003: Avoided Arbitration
At the end of the 2011 season, David Ortiz headed for free agency for the first time since being released by the Twins in 2003.
2003: MLB survey testing
In 2003, Major League Baseball conducted survey testing to determine the extent of performance-enhancing drug use among players.
2003: MLB and MLBPA issues statement on 2003 MLB Survey
In 2003, both Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association issued statements indicating that any player appearing on the list compiled by federal investigators did not necessarily test positive for performance-enhancing drugs due to several factors.
2003: 2003 Postseason Performance
In the 2003 postseason, David Ortiz struggled in the ALDS until Game 4, where he hit a crucial two-run double. In the AL Championship Series, he hit two home runs, including one in Game 7, but the Red Sox lost the series.
2003: Release from the Twins
On December 16, David Ortiz was released by the Minnesota Twins as a cost-cutting move after the 2002 season.
2003: MLB Commissioner addresses Ortiz's alleged positive 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. He added that the alleged failed test should not harm Ortiz's legacy.
2004: 2004 Postseason Walk-Off Home Runs
During the 2004 postseason, David Ortiz had two career walk-off home runs, the first of which clinched the AL Division Series.
2004: Salary arbitration agreement
In 2004, David Ortiz and the Red Sox avoided salary arbitration by agreeing to a $4.6 million salary for the season. Ortiz and his agent initially sought $5 million, while the Red Sox countered with $4.2 million, leading to the agreed-upon compromise.
2004: 100th career home run and contract extension
In 2004, David Ortiz hit his 100th career home run on May 28. It was a grand slam against the Seattle Mariners. During May 2004, Ortiz also signed a two-year contract extension with the Red Sox worth $12.5 million. He finished the 2004 season with 41 home runs and 139 RBI while batting .301.
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: Ortiz in the Postseason
In 2004, David Ortiz played in the postseason batting .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.
2004: MLB officially implements drug testing
In 2004, Major League Baseball officially implemented permanent testing for performance-enhancing drugs.
2004: Postseason heroics and World Series victory
In the 2004 postseason, David Ortiz had multiple game-winning hits, including a series-winning home run in the AL Division Series and walk-off hits in Games 4 and 5 of the AL Championship Series against the Yankees, earning him AL Championship Series MVP honors. He then hit a home run in Game 1 of the 2004 World Series, helping the Red Sox sweep the St. Louis Cardinals and win their first World Series Championship in 86 years.
2004: MLB Commissioner addresses Ortiz's alleged positive 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. He added that the alleged failed test should not harm Ortiz's legacy.
2005: Career highs and clutch performances
In 2005, David Ortiz set new career highs with 47 home runs and 148 RBI, batting .300 with an OPS of 1.001. Throughout 2005, he had multiple game-winning hits. He was also presented 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 season
In 2006, David Ortiz signed a four-year, $52 million contract extension with the Red Sox. He hit his 200th career home run on June 29. On September 21, 2006, Ortiz broke the Red Sox single-season home run record by hitting his 51st home run. He finished the 2006 season with a career-high 54 home runs.
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: Playing first base
During 2009, David Ortiz played first base for the first time since the 2007 season.
2007: Ortiz founds David Ortiz Children's Fund
In 2007, David Ortiz founded the David Ortiz Children's Fund to support a range of causes and to help children from Boston to the Dominican Republic and beyond.
2007: Key role in World Series title
In 2007, David Ortiz played an instrumental role in leading the Red Sox to their seventh World Series title. During the 2007 regular season, he had 35 home runs and 117 RBI while batting a career-best .332.
2007: Second World Series Championship
In 2007, David Ortiz won another World Series championship with the Boston Red Sox.
2007: MVP voting
In 2013, David Ortiz finished 10th in AL MVP voting, the first season he garnered votes since 2007.
2007: Continued clutch hitting in the postseason
In the 2007 postseason, David Ortiz continued his clutch hitting, batting .714 against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the Division Series with two home runs. Ortiz hit .333 in the 2007 World Series, with 4 RBI, and Boston swept the Colorado Rockies to win their second World Series Championship in four years.
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.
2008: Ortiz uses his likeness 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 Children's Fund.
2008: Injury and All-Star selection
In 2008, David Ortiz had a slow start due to a wrist injury, playing in 109 games and finishing the season with 23 home runs and 89 RBI while batting .264. Despite his struggles, Ortiz was named to his fifth All-Star team in 2008.
2008: Offensive Decline
Starting in 2008, David Ortiz experienced a drop in his offensive numbers.
July 30, 2009: Report of Ortiz's positive test
On July 30, 2009, The New York Times reported that David Ortiz was among major league players who allegedly tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs during the 2003 Major League Baseball survey testing.
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. He suggested the positive test might have been due to his use of supplements and vitamins at the time.
October 2009: Ortiz opens nightclub in Dominican Republic
In October 2009, David Ortiz opened a nightclub called "Forty-Forty" in his native Dominican Republic.
2009: Breaking the DH home run record
In 2009, David Ortiz struggled early in the season but broke out in June. On July 9, 2009, he hit his 300th career home run. On September 17, 2009, Ortiz hit his 270th career home run as a DH, breaking the all-time record held by Frank Thomas.
April 2010: Jay-Z sues Ortiz for trademark infringement
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.
2010: Resurgence and Home Run Derby win
In 2010, David Ortiz started slowly but returned to All-Star form, finishing with .270, 32 home runs and 102 RBI. At the 2010 All-Star Game, Ortiz won the Home Run Derby contest.
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.
2011: Team 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 David Ortiz's contract for 2011.
2011: Milestones, Brawl, and Clemente Award
In 2011, David Ortiz continued to produce, batting .309 with 29 home runs and 96 RBI. On April 2, 2011, he set the record for RBI by a designated hitter with 1,004. On May 21, 2011, Ortiz became the fifth player to hit 300 home runs as a member of the Red Sox. On July 15, 2011, Ortiz was suspended for four games for his part in a brawl against the Baltimore Orioles. At the end of the year, Ortiz was named the winner of the Roberto Clemente Award.
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."
2012: Resurgence After Decline
After a period of decline that began in 2008, David Ortiz enjoyed a strong resurgence in his last four seasons, starting in 2012.
2012: 400th career home run and injury
In 2012, David Ortiz hit .405 in the first month. On July 4, 2012, Ortiz hit his 400th career home run. On July 16, 2012, Ortiz suffered an injury to his right Achilles tendon.
2012: Avoided Arbitration
On December 7, 2011, David Ortiz accepted the Red Sox offer of salary arbitration, and the two sides again avoided hearings by agreeing to a $14.575 million figure for the 2012 season.
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: World Series MVP
In 2013, David Ortiz was named the World Series Most Valuable Player after winning another championship with the Boston Red Sox.
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.
March 23, 2014: Contract extension
On March 23, 2014, David Ortiz signed a one-year, $16 million contract extension for the 2015 season, with team options for 2016 and 2017.
November 18, 2015: Ortiz announces retirement
On November 18, 2015, which was his 40th birthday, David Ortiz announced on The Players' Tribune website that he would retire following the 2016 season.
2015: Ortiz hits 37 home runs and 108 RBI
In 2015, David Ortiz had 37 home runs and 108 RBIs, with a .273 batting average. He also finished in the top 10 in the American League in both home runs and RBIs for the eighth time in his career.
2015: Contract Extension
On March 23, 2014, David Ortiz signed a one-year, $16 million contract extension for the 2015 season, with team options for 2016 and 2017.
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.
October 2, 2016: MLB Commissioner addresses Ortiz's alleged positive 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. He added that the alleged failed test should not harm Ortiz's legacy.
2016: Retirement season
David Ortiz announced on November 18, 2015 he would retire following the 2016 season.
2016: Ortiz's Retirement
In 2016, David Ortiz concluded his 20-season career in Major League Baseball.
2016: Ortiz convinces Al Horford to sign with the Celtics
In 2016, David Ortiz convinced Dominican NBA player Al Horford to sign with the Boston Celtics.
2016: Ortiz joined 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: Ortiz wins second Hank Aaron Award
In 2016, David Ortiz won his second Hank Aaron Award as the outstanding offensive player in the AL and was named the Esurance MLB/This Year in Baseball Award winner for Best Hitter, his third time. Ortiz also placed sixth in voting for 2016 AL MVP.
2016: Ortiz's final season statistics
In 2016, David Ortiz's final season, he hit 38 home runs and had 127 RBIs, with a .315 batting average. He finished in the top 10 in the AL in home runs and RBI for the ninth time in his career and led the AL and MLB with a 1.021 OPS.
October 2017: Ortiz joins MLB on Fox as sports analyst
In October 2017, David Ortiz joined MLB on Fox as a part-time sports analyst for the coverage of the 2017 World Series.
2017: Ortiz roast raised $335,000 for his Children's Fund
In 2017, a roast of David Ortiz raised $335,000 for his Children's Fund.
2017: Potential contract year
On March 23, 2014, David Ortiz signed a one-year, $16 million contract extension for the 2015 season. The extension also included two team option years to potentially keep him under contract with the Red Sox through the 2017 season.
2017: Red Sox to retire number 34
On October 2, 2016, during a pregame ceremony at Fenway Park, the Red Sox announced that David Ortiz's uniform number 34 would be retired during the 2017 season. Additionally, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker announced that the bridge that carries Brookline Avenue over the Massachusetts Turnpike would be dedicated in honor of Ortiz.
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.
June 2019: Ortiz becomes full-time studio analyst
Following the June 2019 shootings, Ortiz returned to MLB on Fox as a full-time studio analyst.
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 Ortiz's oldest son, ordering him to refrain from "annoying, intimidating or threatening his former partner in person or by phone."
November 22, 2021: Ortiz included on Hall of Fame ballot
On November 22, 2021, David Ortiz was included on the 2022 ballot for the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
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.
January 25, 2022: Ortiz elected to National Baseball 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: 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.
November 2022: FTX files for bankruptcy, Ortiz sued
In November 2022, FTX filed for bankruptcy, wiping out billions of dollars. David Ortiz, along with 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: 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.
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