Ortiz began his career with the Minnesota Twins in 1997, but it wasn't until he joined the Red Sox in 2003 that he became a household name. He quickly became a fan favorite in Boston, leading the team to three World Series championships in 2004, 2007, and 2013. Ortiz was named the World Series MVP in 2013, hitting .688 with two home runs and six RBIs in the six-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Throughout his career, Ortiz was known for his power hitting, finishing with 541 career home runs, 17th on the all-time list. He was also a seven-time All-Star and won the Silver Slugger award seven times as well. In addition to his on-field success, Ortiz was also known for his philanthropy and community involvement. He established the David Ortiz Children's Fund to help children in need in the Dominican Republic and the United States.
Ortiz's career was not without controversy, however. In 2009, he was one of over 100 players who tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs during the 2003 season. Ortiz denied knowingly taking any banned substances and claimed that he was only taking supplements given to him by a trainer. He was never suspended or punished for the positive test.
In 2016, Ortiz announced that he would be retiring at the end of the season. He was honored by the Red Sox and other teams throughout the league during his final season, and he received a standing ovation from fans at his last game at Fenway Park. Ortiz finished his career with a .286 batting average, 2,472 hits, and 1,768 RBIs.
Since retiring, Ortiz has worked as a commentator for Fox Sports and has continued his philanthropic work through the David Ortiz Children's Fund. He was also shot in the Dominican Republic in 2019, but he survived and has since recovered. Ortiz's legacy as one of the greatest players in Red Sox history and one of the most beloved players in baseball is secure.
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