David Ortiz's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of David Ortiz.

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.

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: 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.

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.

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: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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: 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.

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.

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.

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.