Big Papi - by David Ortiz & Tony Massarotti (Paperback)

About the Book

Boston Red Sox and All-Star David Ortiz, a.k.a. Big Papi, opens up on life and the Big Leagues in this dramatic and compelling rags-to-riches story of a baseball dream coming true.

Book Synopsis

The inspiring and dramatic story of Big Papi, from growing up poor to becoming one of the most popular and successful players in Major League Baseball.

Raised in the Dominican Republic, signed by the Seattle Mariners, and released by the Minnesota Twins, David Ortiz landed in baseball-crazy Boston, of all places. Generally regarded as an underachiever to that point in his career, Ortiz blossomed into one of the most feared and adored sluggers in baseball while altering the course of the game's history, helping Boston win its first World Series in eighty-six years and thereby breaking the infamous "Curse of the Bambino."

Along the way, Ortiz established his place as a truly Ruthian figure in the annals of our national pastime: an imposing figure in the batter's box, yet an endearing man to the young, particularly in his native Dominican Republic, where he has focused his charitable efforts on improving the health of children. The son of two caring parents, and a loving father of three, Ortiz is a hero to many.

Now, in his memoir, the man affectionately known as "Big Papi" recounts his life from growing up in an impoverished area of the Dominican Republic (where baseball is king) to his ascension in Boston (where he became one). Ortiz discusses, in detail, his historic and record-setting performances as a member of the Red Sox, his exploding popularity, the challenges of playing in Boston, and life in the Red Sox clubhouse.

Big Papi is a unique memoir by a charismatic man who appeals to young and old, on the baseball field or off.

From the Back Cover

Through an extraordinary ability to perform under pressure, David Ortiz has gone from toting the heavy burden of potential to being one of the most celebrated performers in baseball history. Along the way, a baseball legend was born: BIG PAPI. Raised in the Dominican Republic, signed by the Seattle Mariners, and released by the Minnesota Twins, David Ortiz landed in baseball-crazy Boston, of all places. Generally regarded as an underachiever to that point in his career, Ortiz blossomed into one of the most feared and adored sluggers in baseball while altering the course of the game's history, helping Boston win its first World Series in eighty-six years and thereby breaking the infamous "Curse of the Bambino."Along the way, Ortiz established his place as a truly Ruthian figure in the annals of our national pastime: an imposing figure in the batter's box, yet an endearing man to the young, particularly in his native Dominican Republic, where he has focused his charitable efforts on improving the health of children. The son of two caring parents, and a loving father of three, Ortiz is a hero to many. Now, in his memoir, the man affectionately known as "Big Papi" recounts his life from growing up in an impoverished area of the Dominican Republic (where baseball is king) to his ascension in Boston (where he became one). Ortiz discusses, in detail, his historic and record-setting performances as a member of the Red Sox, his exploding popularity, the challenges of playing inBoston, and life in the Red Sox clubhouse. BIG PAPI is a unique memoir by a charismatic man who appeals to young and old, on the baseball field or off.

Review Quotes

"Big Papi brings us the life and thoughts of the greatest clutch hitter in memory." --The Boston Globe

"The only thing more amazing than the Red Sox winning a World Series is Ortiz's remarkable story." --Publishers Weekly

About the Author

DAVID ORTIZ is a three-time World Series champion for the Boston Red Sox (2004, 2007, and 2013). In 2006, he hit 54 home runs to set a team franchise record. One of the greatest clutch hitters of all time, "Big Papi" was inducted into the baseball Hall of Fame in 2022.

TONY MASSAROTTI began covering baseball in 1991 for the Boston Herald. He coauthored the bestselling book A TALE OF TWO CITIES: THE 2004 RED SOX-YANKEES RIVALRY AND THE WAR FOR THE PENNANT. He lives in the Boston area with his wife, Natalie, and their son, Alexander.