David Ortiz Biography

David Ortiz, born November 18, 1975, played 20 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1997 to 2016, primarily as a designated hitter for the Boston Red Sox. After six seasons with the Minnesota Twins, Ortiz helped end the Red Sox's 86-year World Series drought in 2004 and won titles in 2007 and 2013, earning MVP honors in 2013. In his first five seasons with Boston, he averaged 41 home runs and 128 RBIs, led the American League in RBIs twice, and set a team record with 54 home runs in 2006. Following a decline in offensive output from 2008 to 2012, Ortiz rebounded strongly in his final four seasons, leading the AL in doubles, RBIs, and slugging percentage in his last year. Upon retiring, Ortiz ranked sixth in American League history with 541 home runs, fifth in doubles with 632, and ninth in RBIs with 1,768. Baseball America recognized Ortiz as the most exciting player and best defensive first baseman in the Midwest League in 1996. Ortiz rose quickly through the Twins system after being drafted in 1997, marking the start of his major league career.