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 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

1931: Historical Comparison to Ruth and Gehrig

In 1931, Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig achieved a milestone by being teammates to hit 40 home runs, have 100 RBIs, and bat .300 in the same season. This feat was later matched by David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez in 2004.

1938: Jimmie Foxx's Home Run Record

In 1938, Jimmie Foxx set the Red Sox single season home run record with 50 home runs, a record that stood until David Ortiz tied it in 2006.

2003: MLB Commissioner defends Ortiz regarding 2003 PED test

On October 2, 2016, at a press conference at Fenway Park, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred stated it was "entirely possible" that David Ortiz did not test positive during the MLB survey drug testing in 2003. He said the alleged failed test should not harm Ortiz's legacy, noting "legitimate scientific questions" about the results. Manfred added that Ortiz never tested positive since MLB began testing in 2004.

2004: All-Star Season and Team Record

In 2004, David Ortiz hit his 100th career home run, signed a two-year contract extension with the Red Sox, was named an All-Star, finished the season with 41 home runs and 139 RBIs, earned his first Silver Slugger award, and became part of the first AL teammate duo since Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig in 1931 to hit 40 home runs, have 100 RBIs, and bat .300.

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 Postseason Performance

In 85 postseason games, including the 2004 World Series, David Ortiz batted .289 with 22 doubles, 2 triples, 17 home runs, and 61 RBI.

2004: 2004 Postseason Heroics and World Series Win

In the 2004 postseason, David Ortiz hit multiple game-winning hits, including a series-winning home run in the AL Division Series, and key hits in the AL Championship Series against the Yankees, earning him AL Championship Series MVP honors. He also contributed to the Red Sox's World Series victory, ending the Curse of the Bambino. Ortiz batted .400 with five home runs and 23 RBI in the 2004 postseason.

2004: MLB Commissioner defends Ortiz regarding 2003 PED test

2005: Career Highs and Clutch Performances

In 2005, David Ortiz set new career highs with 47 home runs and 148 RBIs. He had multiple game-winning hits throughout the season, earning him the title of "the greatest clutch-hitter in the history of the Boston Red Sox" by the Red Sox ownership. Ortiz also won his first Hank Aaron Award in 2005.

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 Home Run Record

In 2006, David Ortiz signed a four-year contract extension with the Red Sox. He also hit his 200th career home run, tied Jimmie Foxx's single-season Red Sox home run record of 50, and broke the record by hitting his 51st home run. Ortiz finished the 2006 season with a career-high 54 home runs, setting a new Red Sox record.

2007: Key Player in World Series Title

In 2007, David Ortiz played a crucial role in leading the Red Sox to their seventh World Series title. He achieved career-best batting average of .332 during the regular season and was named an All-Star for the fourth consecutive season.

2007: Second World Series Championship

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

2007: Last MVP Vote

In 2007, was the last season David Ortiz garnered votes for AL MVP until a later season.

2007: Clutch Hitting in Postseason

In the 2007 postseason, David Ortiz continued his clutch hitting, batting .714 against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the Division Series and contributing to the Red Sox's World Series victory against the Colorado Rockies.

2008: Injury and All-Star Selection

In 2008, David Ortiz's performance was impacted by a wrist injury. Despite his struggles, Ortiz was named to his fifth All-Star team. The Red Sox were eliminated in the AL Championship Series.

2009: Slump and Record-Breaking Home Run

In 2009, David Ortiz began the season with a slump but broke out of it in June. He hit his 300th career home run and broke the all-time record for home runs as a designated hitter. In 2009, David Ortiz also played first base, reprising a role he hadn't filled since 2007.

2010: All-Star Resurgence

In 2010, David Ortiz overcame a slow start to return to his All-Star form, finishing the year with 32 home runs and 102 RBI. He won the Home Run Derby contest at the All-Star Game. The Red Sox announced they would pick up the team option on his contract for 2011.

2011: Milestones and Suspension

In 2011, David Ortiz set the record for RBI by a designated hitter, hit his 300th home run as a member of the Red Sox, and was suspended for four games due to a brawl. Ortiz also won the Roberto Clemente Award in 2011.

2012: 400th Career Home Run and Injury

In 2012, David Ortiz hit his 400th career home run and suffered an injury to his right Achilles tendon, which significantly impacted the Red Sox's performance for the remainder of the season.

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.

2013: World Series MVP

In 2013, David Ortiz was named the World Series Most Valuable Player after winning a championship with the Boston Red Sox.

2015: Ortiz hits 37 home runs and had 108 RBI

In 2015, David Ortiz had a productive season, hitting 37 home runs and recording 108 RBIs, while maintaining a .273 batting average. He also ranked among the top 10 players in the American League for both home runs and RBIs for the eighth time in his career.

October 2, 2016: MLB Commissioner defends Ortiz regarding 2003 PED test

2016: Ortiz hits 38 home runs in his final season

In 2016, during the final season of his MLB career, David Ortiz hit 38 home runs, setting a record for the most home runs by a player in their final season. He also recorded 127 RBIs and had a .315 batting average, finishing in the AL top 10 for both home runs and RBI for the ninth time in his career. Ortiz led both the AL and MLB with a 1.021 OPS and a .620 slugging percentage.

2016: Ortiz wins Hank Aaron Award

On October 26, 2016, David Ortiz was awarded his second Hank Aaron Award as the American League's outstanding offensive player. Additionally, he was the 2016 Esurance MLB/This Year in Baseball Award winner for Best Hitter, marking his third time receiving the award. Ortiz also finished sixth in the voting for the 2016 AL MVP.

2017: Red Sox announce retirement of Ortiz's number

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

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. This ballot also included Alex Rodriguez for the first time, and was the final ballot for Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Curt Schilling, and Sammy Sosa.

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. He was the only player voted in by the Baseball Writers' Association of America and was formally inducted on July 24, 2022.