David Ortiz’s journey through Major League Baseball to the Hall of Fame

The beloved Red Sox slugger will be immortalized in Cooperstown. Let’s revisit the moments that got him there.

By Daigo Fujiwara, Globe Staff

Published January 25, 2022.

Photo by Barry Chin
Minnesota Twins years: 1997-2002
Age: 21-26
Manager: Ron Gardenhire/Tom Kelly
Team record: 449-520 (.463)
GABRHHRRBI
455147721539358238
BAOBPSLGOPS
.266.348.461.809
David Ortiz made his debut with the Twins in September 1997. His first full season in the majors was 1998. Here he is during spring training of that season.
David Ortiz made his debut with the Twins in September 1997. His first full season in the majors was 1998. Here he is during spring training of that season. (Getty Images)


During a 2000 game, Red Sox second baseman Jeff Frye loses the ball while trying to lay a tag on Ortiz.
During a 2000 game, Red Sox second baseman Jeff Frye loses the ball while trying to lay a tag on Ortiz. (Jim Davis/Globe Staff)
RELATED: From 2016: Before signing David Ortiz in 2003, Red Sox had one final request
2003
Age: 27
Manager: Grady Little
Team record: 95-67 (.586)
Finished second in AL East, lost ALCS 4-3 to Yankees
GABRHHRRBI
1284487912931101
BAOBPSLGOPS
.288.369.592.961
Ortiz's Red Sox teammates mob the slugger after he hit a solo home run in the 10th inning of a game against the Orioles on Sept. 23, 2003, to earn a comeback win.
Ortiz's Red Sox teammates mob the slugger after he hit a solo home run in the 10th inning of a game against the Orioles on Sept. 23, 2003, to earn a comeback win. (Jim Davis/Globe Staff)
Ortiz ruminates on second base after being forced out on an infield grounder to end the eighth inning of Game 5 of the ALCS against the Yankees. The Red Sox lost.
Ortiz ruminates on second base after being forced out on an infield grounder to end the eighth inning of Game 5 of the ALCS against the Yankees. The Red Sox lost. (Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff)
RELATED: From 2003: Red Sox clinch first playoff bid of John Henry era
2004
Age: 28
Manager: Terry Francona
Team record: 98-64 (.605)
Finished second in AL East, swept Cardinals to win World Series
Selected for All-Star game
All-Star
Won Siliver Sliugger award
Silver Slugger
GABRHHRRBI
1505829417541139
BAOBPSLGOPS
.301.380.603.983
The Red Sox sold out every home game during the 2004 season en route to their first World Series title in 86 years. Here, Ortiz high-fives fans during the final regular-season game at Fenway Park that season, an 11-4 win over the Yankees.
The Red Sox sold out every home game during the 2004 season en route to their first World Series title in 86 years. Here, Ortiz high-fives fans during the final regular-season game at Fenway Park that season, an 11-4 win over the Yankees. (Jim Davis/Globe Staff)
The Fenway crowd went wild after Ortiz socked a two-run homer in the 10th inning to beat the Angels in the 2004 ALDS. It was a sweep.
The Fenway crowd went wild after Ortiz socked a two-run homer in the 10th inning to beat the Angels in the 2004 ALDS. It was a sweep. (Barry Chin/Globe Staff)
RELATED: From 2004: David Ortiz a hero again as Red Sox beat Yankees
Fans are packed like sardines on Boylston Street to catch a glimpse of Ortiz and the World Series trophy during the Red Sox' rolling parade on Oct. 30, 2004, to celebrate breaking the 86-year-drought.
Fans are packed like sardines on Boylston Street to catch a glimpse of Ortiz and the World Series trophy during the Red Sox' rolling parade on Oct. 30, 2004, to celebrate breaking the 86-year-drought. (Stan Grossfeld/Globe Staff)

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2005
Age: 29
Manager: Terry Francona
Team record: 95-67 (.586)
Finished second in AL East, lost ALDS 3-0 to White Sox
Selected for All-Star game
All-Star
Won Siliver Sliugger award
Silver Slugger
Led the league in: RBI
GABRHHRRBI
15960111918047148
BAOBPSLGOPS
.300.397.6041.001
Ortiz hit 48 home runs in the 2005 season, including this one on Sept. 6, a walkoff to beat the Angels.
Ortiz hit 48 home runs in the 2005 season, including this one on Sept. 6, a walkoff to beat the Angels. (Jim Davis/Globe Staff)
2006
Age: 30
Manager: Terry Francona
Team record: 86-76 (.531)
Finished third in AL East, missed playoffs
Selected for All-Star game
All-Star
Won Siliver Sliugger award
Silver Slugger
Led the league in: HR, RBI, BB, TB
GABRHHRRBI
15155811516054137
BAOBPSLGOPS
.287.413.6361.049
Ortiz hit even more home runs — 54 — the next season. Here, he's mobbed by teammates while crossing the plate against the Rangers after his three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth won it for Boston on June 10. Ortiz hit 11 walkoffs in his career.
Ortiz hit even more home runs — 54 — the next season. Here, he's mobbed by teammates while crossing the plate against the Rangers after his three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth won it for Boston on June 10. Ortiz hit 11 walkoffs in his career. (Jim Davis/Globe Staff)
2007
Age: 31
Manager: Terry Francona
Team record: 96-66 (.593)
Finished first in AL East, swept Rockies to win World Series
Selected for All-Star game
All-Star
Won Siliver Sliugger award
Silver Slugger
Led the league in: BB, OBP
GABRHHRRBI
14954911618235117
BAOBPSLGOPS
.332.445.6211.066
The Red Sox clinched the AL East with a win over the Twins Sept. 28 (and were helped by the Yankees losing to the Devil Rays). Tim Wakefield (far left), Ortiz, and Jonathan Papelbon (right) broke out the champagne to celebrate.
The Red Sox clinched the AL East with a win over the Twins Sept. 28 (and were helped by the Yankees losing to the Devil Rays). Tim Wakefield (far left), Ortiz, and Jonathan Papelbon (right) broke out the champagne to celebrate. (Jim Davis/Globe Staff)
The Red Sox swept the Rockies in the 2007 World Series to win their second title in four years. Here, Ortiz crosses the plate in the fourth inning of Game 1 on Oct. 24, 2007. Jason Varitek knocked him in with a double.
The Red Sox swept the Rockies in the 2007 World Series to win their second title in four years. Here, Ortiz crosses the plate in the fourth inning of Game 1 on Oct. 24, 2007. Jason Varitek knocked him in with a double. (Bill Greene/Globe Staff)
The Red Sox won the Series in Denver Oct. 28, and flew back to Boston the next day. Ortiz had the privilege of carrying the trophy onto the tarmac at Logan.
The Red Sox won the Series in Denver Oct. 28, and flew back to Boston the next day. Ortiz had the privilege of carrying the trophy onto the tarmac at Logan. (Globe Staff)

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2008
Age: 32
Manager: Terry Francona
Team record: 95-67 (.586)
Finished second in AL East, lost ALCS 4-3 to Rays
Selected for All-Star game
All-Star
GABRHHRRBI
109416741102389
BAOBPSLGOPS
.264.369.507.877
That's two for Ortiz: Red Sox players got their World Series rings ahead of the home opener on April 8 against the Tigers.
That's two for Ortiz: Red Sox players got their World Series rings ahead of the home opener on April 8 against the Tigers. (Jim Davis/Globe Staff)
2009
Age: 33
Manager: Terry Francona
Team record: 95-67 (.586)
Finished second in AL East, lost ALDS 3-0 to Angels
GABRHHRRBI
150541771292899
BAOBPSLGOPS
.238.332.462.794
David Ortiz hit two homers against the White Sox on Aug. 26, 2009.
David Ortiz hit two homers against the White Sox on Aug. 26, 2009. (Jim Davis/Globe Staff)
His second of the game was the game winner, yet another walkoff.
His second of the game was the game winner, yet another walkoff. (Jim Davis/Globe Staff)
2010
Age: 34
Manager: Terry Francona
Team record: 89-73 (.549)
Finished third in AL East, missed playoffs
Selected for All-Star game
All-Star
GABRHHRRBI
1455188614032102
BAOBPSLGOPS
.270.370.529.899
The Red Sox closed out the 2010 season with a win over the Yankees Oct. 3. Ortiz waved to fans after he left the game.
The Red Sox closed out the 2010 season with a win over the Yankees Oct. 3. Ortiz waved to fans after he left the game. (Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
2011
Age: 35
Manager: Terry Francona
Team record: 90-72 (.556)
Finished third in AL East, missed playoffs
Selected for All-Star game
All-Star
Won Siliver Sliugger award
Silver Slugger
GABRHHRRBI
146525841622996
BAOBPSLGOPS
.309.398.554.953
The Red Sox collapsed in September 2011, having entered the month with a nine-game lead and ending it out of the playoffs. Ortiz was dejected in the dugout after a Sept. 21, 2011, a 6-4 loss to the Orioles.
The Red Sox collapsed in September 2011, having entered the month with a nine-game lead and ending it out of the playoffs. Ortiz was dejected in the dugout after a Sept. 21, 2011, a 6-4 loss to the Orioles. (Barry Chin/Globe Staff)
Red Sox catcher Ryan Lavarnway hugs Ortiz (as manager Terry Francona stands nearby) after a rare win Sept. 27. The Sox won just seven times that month.
Red Sox catcher Ryan Lavarnway hugs Ortiz (as manager Terry Francona stands nearby) after a rare win Sept. 27. The Sox won just seven times that month. (Jim Davis/Globe Staff)
2012
Age: 36
Manager: Bobby Valentine
Team record: 69-93 (.426)
Finished last in AL East, missed playoffs
Selected for All-Star game
All-Star
GABRHHRRBI
90324651032360
BAOBPSLGOPS
.318.415.6111.026
Bobby Valentine was hired during the offseason to replace Terry Francona as manager of the Red Sox. Here, he greets Ortiz during a February workout at spring training.
Bobby Valentine was hired during the offseason to replace Terry Francona as manager of the Red Sox. Here, he greets Ortiz during a February workout at spring training. (Jim Davis/Globe Staff)
Kevin Youkilis and Ortiz high-five after a Youkilis home run against the Orioles May 22.
Kevin Youkilis and Ortiz high-five after a Youkilis home run against the Orioles May 22. (Patrick Semansky/AP)
2013
Age: 37
Manager: John Farrell
Team record: 97-65 (.599)
Finished first in AL East, beat Cardinals 4-2 to win World Series
Selected for All-Star game
All-Star
Won Siliver Sliugger award
Silver Slugger
Led the league in: IBB
GABRHHRRBI
1375188416030103
BAOBPSLGOPS
.309.395.564.959
Ortiz rallied the city of Boston with a poignant and profane speech ahead of the April 20 game against the Royals. The game came just days after the bombing at the Boston Marathon finish line, and the day after one of the bombers was found following a manhunt. "This is our [expletive] city," Ortiz said to the crowd. The Red Sox won.
Ortiz rallied the city of Boston with a poignant and profane speech ahead of the April 20 game against the Royals. The game came just days after the bombing at the Boston Marathon finish line, and the day after one of the bombers was found following a manhunt. "This is our [expletive] city," Ortiz said to the crowd. The Red Sox won. (Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
RELATED: From 2013: David Ortiz’s speech caps emotional ceremony
Ortiz's 1,999th career hit was a home run against the Tigers on Sept. 4, 2013.
Ortiz's 1,999th career hit was a home run against the Tigers on Sept. 4, 2013. (Jim Davis/Globe Staff)
Who could forget this moment? Torii Hunter flipped into the bullpen while failing to grab an Ortiz homer in the eighth inning of Game 2 of the ALCS against the Tigers Oct. 13.
Who could forget this moment? Torii Hunter flipped into the bullpen while failing to grab an Ortiz homer in the eighth inning of Game 2 of the ALCS against the Tigers Oct. 13. (Stan Grossfeld/Globe Staff)
The Red Sox faced the Cardinals in the World Series that year. Here, Ortiz is shown with a smile on his face during media day ahead of the games.
The Red Sox faced the Cardinals in the World Series that year. Here, Ortiz is shown with a smile on his face during media day ahead of the games. (Jim Davis/Globe Staff)
A fan brought a "Papi is a legend" sign to celebrate outside Fenway Park after the Red Sox won the World Series on Oct. 30.
A fan brought a "Papi is a legend" sign to celebrate outside Fenway Park after the Red Sox won the World Series on Oct. 30. (Yoon S. Byun/Globe Staff)
Ortiz and Jonny Gomes (left) hoist a giant bottle of champagne in the clubhouse after winning the World Series.
Ortiz and Jonny Gomes (left) hoist a giant bottle of champagne in the clubhouse after winning the World Series. (Jim Davis/Globe Staff)
Confetti shoots out from the stage in Copley Square as Ortiz waves to the crowd during the World Series celebration Nov. 2.
Confetti shoots out from the stage in Copley Square as Ortiz waves to the crowd during the World Series celebration Nov. 2. (Pat Greenhouse/Globe Staff)
RELATED: From 2017: 34 things to know about David Ortiz
Ortiz, the World Series MVP, rides a duck boat along Boylston Street during the parade.
Ortiz, the World Series MVP, rides a duck boat along Boylston Street during the parade. (Stan Grossfeld/Globe Staff)

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2014
Age: 38
Manager: John Farrell
Team record: 71-91 (.438)
Finished last in AL East, missed playoffs
GABRHHRRBI
1425185913635104
BAOBPSLGOPS
.263.355.517.873
David Ortiz hit 35 home runs in 2014 to go with 104 RBIs. Here, he's at bat in the shadows against the Brewers in early April.
David Ortiz hit 35 home runs in 2014 to go with 104 RBIs. Here, he's at bat in the shadows against the Brewers in early April. (The Boston Globe)
Ortiz was about to get into it with the Rays before umpire Jeff Kellogg restrained him during a May 30 game at Fenway.
Ortiz was about to get into it with the Rays before umpire Jeff Kellogg restrained him during a May 30 game at Fenway. (Barry Chin/Globe Staff)
2015
Age: 39
Manager: John Farrell
Team record: 78-84 (.481)
Finished last in AL East, missed playoffs
Led the league in: IBB
GABRHHRRBI
1465287314437108
BAOBPSLGOPS
.273.360.553.913
The Red Sox celebrated Ortiz's 500th career home run in a ceremony before a Sept. 21 game against the Rays. His family, former teammates, and team officials watched the hit on the video board.
The Red Sox celebrated Ortiz's 500th career home run in a ceremony before a Sept. 21 game against the Rays. His family, former teammates, and team officials watched the hit on the video board. (Jim Davis/Globe Staff)
RELATED: From 2015: With 500 homers, David Ortiz’s unique impact on game continues
Former teammate and close friend Pedro Martinez joined Ortiz for the ceremony.
Former teammate and close friend Pedro Martinez joined Ortiz for the ceremony. (Jim Davis/Globe Staff)
2016
Age: 40
Manager: John Farrell
Team record: 93-69 (.574)
Finished first in AL East, lost ALDS 3-0 to Indians
Selected for All-Star game
All-Star
Won Siliver Sliugger award
Silver Slugger
Led the league in: 2B, RBI, SLG, OPS, IBB
GABRHHRRBI
1515377916938127
BAOBPSLGOPS
.315.401.6201.021
Ortiz celebrates his final home run with Mookie Betts during a Sept. 30 game against the Jays.
Ortiz celebrates his final home run with Mookie Betts during a Sept. 30 game against the Jays. (Barry Chin/Globe Staff)
A fan offers their thanks to Ortiz during Game 3 of the ALDS on Oct. 10, 2016. It was Ortiz's final game.
A fan offers their thanks to Ortiz during Game 3 of the ALDS on Oct. 10, 2016. It was Ortiz's final game. (The Boston Globe)
RELATED: From 2015: Tracing the evolution of David Ortiz’s mighty swing
Ortiz salutes the fans one last time at Fenway Park after the Indians knocked the Red Sox out of the playoffs.
Ortiz salutes the fans one last time at Fenway Park after the Indians knocked the Red Sox out of the playoffs. (John Tlumacki/Globe Staff)
RELATED: Explore each of David Ortiz’s 558 career home runs

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