David Ortiz is a Designated Hitter for the Boston Red Sox. He is considered one of the premiere power and clutch hitters in Major League Baseball, leading the Red Sox to two World Series Titles in 2005 and 2007.
On November 11, 2008, news agencies reported that Ortiz was about a month away from baseball related activities due to an injury he suffered during the season to his left wrist. Ortiz had a partially torn tendon in the wrist. Doctors recommended rest instead of surgery and Ortiz has spent the off season resting.ESPN.com: Ortiz close to swinging bat after resting ailing wrist (November 11, 2008)
Fast Facts:
- Born: November 18, 1975
- Height: 6-4
- Weight: 230
- Rookie Year: 1999
- Birth Place: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
- Nickname: Big Papi
- Bats: Left
- Throws: Left
- 4 Silver Slugger Awards
- 4 All-Star Selections
- World Series Champion in 2004
- Three time All-Star (2004-2006)
- First player in Boston Red Sox history to hit 40 homers in 3 straight seasons
- All-Star Starter
Early Life
David Americo Ortiz Arias was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on November 18, 1975. He attended High School at Estudia Espaillat High School.
Pro Career
Ortiz was signed by the Seattle Mariners in 1992, then was traded to the Minnesota Twins in 1996. He displayed glimpses of his potential with the team, but struggled with the slash and dash offensive philosophy of the Twins. He was released by the team in 2002, and then signed as a free agent with the Boston Red Sox. With his power hitting role with the Boston Red Sox he developed into one of the premiere clutch run producers in Major League Baseball. Since 2008, he has won 4 Silver Slugger Awards, selected 4 Times to the All-Star Game, and led the American League in Home Runs and RBI's in 2006. He has been a key ingredient in both of the Championship runs of the Red Sox in 2007 and in 2004.
David Ortiz Timeline
- November 18, 1975 Born
- 1999: Debuts with Minnesota Twins
- 2003: Signs with Boston Red Sox
- 2004: World Series Champion
- 2005: Hank Aaron Award Winner
- 2004-2006: First player in Boston Red Sox history to hit 40 homers in 3 straight seasons
- 2007: All-Star Starter
