David Ortiz is the heart of the Boston Red Sox offensive machine. With his monsterous frame and ability to hit towering homeruns, Ortiz has become one of the most dangerous and popular players in baseball. Find out more about one of baseball's best clutch hitters right here.

David Ortiz Bio - Dominican Star

David Ortiz was born in the Dominican Republic, a country that has produced many other baseball stars including Vladimir Guerrero, Miguel Tejada and Albert Pujols. David began playing baseball when he was a kid and developed into a natural slugger. With quick hands and a big frame, David was able to hit for both power and average and was a star on his high school baseball team. In 1992, when he was just 17, Ortiz was signed by the Seattle Mariners, who later traded him the Minnesota Twins. After several up and down seasons with Minnesota, David Ortiz signed with the Boston Red Sox, where he would become a baseball superstar.

David Ortiz Bio - Super Slugger

David Ortiz made an instant impact with the Boston Red Sox as their designated hitter. In his first season with the Bosox, he hit 31 homeruns and had 101 RBIs. He also became a fan favorite and earned the nickname, Big Papi, for his big frame and outstanding hitting. More importantly, Ortiz turned the Red Sox into one of the best teams in baseball. In 2004, Ortiz put up even bigger numbers and helped the Sox end the dreaded Curse of the Bambino by winning their first World Series title since 1918. During the Red Sox playoff run, Ortiz hit several clutch hits, including the game-winning homer that sparked the team's dramatic comeback over the New York Yankees in the American League Championship Series. Ortiz continues to be one of best hitters in the American League and was voted in to the starting lineup in the 2006 Major League Baseball All Star Game.

David Ortiz Bio - Did You Know?

Before every swing, David Ortiz spits into his batting gloves and claps his hands together.

David Ortiz was also a star on his high school basketball team in Santo Domingo.

In 2004, Ortiz and Manny Ramírez became the first pair of American League teammates to hit 40 homeruns, have 100 RBIs and hit .300 since 1931.

David Ortiz played for the Dominican Republic at the 2006 World Baseball Classic.

David and his wife, Tiffany, have three children: Yessica, Alexandra and D’Angelo.

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