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Big Papi: My Story of Big Dreams and Big Hits
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 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.
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 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.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
18 people are currently reading
277 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
June 1, 2024
This book was a line drive straight to the face of childhood nostalgia, full of names I haven’t heard in a very long time and provided a reminder of how special 2004 is. It’s unfortunate that he chose to write this book in 2006, given what was about to happen in 2007, but he had no way of knowing. And while David Ortiz is a fantastic baseball player, bro, and he’s responsible for so much joy in my childhood, he’s not an especially good writer (and that’s okay.) I enjoyed this book because of the memories it brought back, rather than it being objectively good. Go Celtics
October 24, 2007
yo i love this book because is hot and i recomend this book to all the boston fans
May 11, 2019
I selected this book because ever since I was younger I’ve always been a huge fan of David Ortiz. He is an inspiration to many people, especially young baseball players. I’ve heard that he struggled to find the right place to be in the major leagues and now I get a first hand view of what happened to him.
This book is about the determination and self confidence it takes to make your dreams come true. Throughout the beginning of Ortiz’s career it was filled with disappointments and struggles. The Twins organization didn’t give him enough chances to show what he really is worth, so they released him as he started to prove himself. He tells us how Pedro Martinez, a fellow Dominican baseball player, convinced the Red Sox to sign him and that’s where he made his name known to the baseball world.
The things that I thought worked very well was how he explained how he got through all the struggles in his early career. He described how it was hard for him to improve when the Twins didn’t give him a lot of chances or help make him more confident in himself. I liked this because I feel a lot of people deal with the same issues when trying to work hard to get to a certain position. On page 80 it states, “All I wanted to do was to stay healthy and to get the chance to play because I knew I could hit. I knew I could produce as long as someone gave me a chance.” I feel a lot of people don’t get a fair chance like Ortiz in this situation because they don’t get an opportunity like others. Ortiz’s story inspires people to stay determined and make sure to be self-confident because he believes self-confidence is the biggest thing.
The things that didn’t work well was at times some things he said weren’t really relevant to what he was talking about. It felt like he was trying to get something off his chest. However, most of the time it was something relatable so it wasn't a huge issue. On page 97 it states, “Let me start by telling you this: Until people explained it to me, I didn’t what contraction was.” Some things like this didn’t seem that relevant to talk about. However, I think Ortiz got some great messages across to his readers to inspire them to never give up and stay confident in themselves. Overall, I think is an excellent book and it gives young baseball players hope to make the major leagues.
This book is about the determination and self confidence it takes to make your dreams come true. Throughout the beginning of Ortiz’s career it was filled with disappointments and struggles. The Twins organization didn’t give him enough chances to show what he really is worth, so they released him as he started to prove himself. He tells us how Pedro Martinez, a fellow Dominican baseball player, convinced the Red Sox to sign him and that’s where he made his name known to the baseball world.
The things that I thought worked very well was how he explained how he got through all the struggles in his early career. He described how it was hard for him to improve when the Twins didn’t give him a lot of chances or help make him more confident in himself. I liked this because I feel a lot of people deal with the same issues when trying to work hard to get to a certain position. On page 80 it states, “All I wanted to do was to stay healthy and to get the chance to play because I knew I could hit. I knew I could produce as long as someone gave me a chance.” I feel a lot of people don’t get a fair chance like Ortiz in this situation because they don’t get an opportunity like others. Ortiz’s story inspires people to stay determined and make sure to be self-confident because he believes self-confidence is the biggest thing.
The things that didn’t work well was at times some things he said weren’t really relevant to what he was talking about. It felt like he was trying to get something off his chest. However, most of the time it was something relatable so it wasn't a huge issue. On page 97 it states, “Let me start by telling you this: Until people explained it to me, I didn’t what contraction was.” Some things like this didn’t seem that relevant to talk about. However, I think Ortiz got some great messages across to his readers to inspire them to never give up and stay confident in themselves. Overall, I think is an excellent book and it gives young baseball players hope to make the major leagues.
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February 28, 2017I personally thought the book was really good. Coming from a big sports fan and a baseball family is the reason as to why I decided to read this book. Also his story that he explains throughout the book amazes me. Going from the twins and being cut to being on the Red Sox and the struggles he had to go through. Another reason I like the book is because it's just like he's talking and not sounding like it was a book. Overall I think the book is really motivating for not only baseball players but for everyone. I would prefer this book and it shows that any player can make it in any situation.
February 10, 2022
I rated Big Papi by David Ortiz 5 stars because it exceeded my expectations and is one of my favorite books I've read.A reason I feel this book is rated so highly is because of how it describes the events of his career.One way he does this is describe small parts of his career like how in during a game he was pulled out secretly and brought to the hospital to make sure he was ok due to his heart having random instances of starting to beat faster for no reason.These moments lead to rate it 5 stars because I really enjoy baseball and the players and history so I enjoy seeing small parts of someone who i've really enjoyed watching play like david ortiz tell his story and small details about it.Another way i enjoy is them talking about his impact on the red sox in the 2004 playoffs by telling about how the media and fans started to recognize him and started calling him Big papi.Stuff like this made me rate it 5 stars because of how it goes into detail about how he really enjoyed going from a role player to a all star in a few years and how appreciative he was of it.Do to how this book explains the struggles and what it takes to play in the big leagues i feel as if its a must read for anyone that enjoys baseball or plays it especially if your a fan of the red sox or david ortiz.This book shows you how difficult it can be to successful and stay up there and what it takes to win which is why i feel this book matters because of this i would definitely read another book by David Ortiz and Tony Massarotti.
December 29, 2016
I spent most of this book having an internal battle in the back of my mind as I read. You see, there is the sentimental component of this book -- reading it immediately following the retirement of a Red Sox, heck, a *sports* icon -- which factored in heavily toward my final decision of awarding the book four stars. The book is an easy read. Given the English-as-a-second-language thing, there were a few places where the wording felt a little...awkward, but to be honest, I felt like that gave the book the feel of Papi sitting there, telling his story in his own words, right down to the repetition that existed throughout the book (even he acknowledges it himself). But if you've ever had a long conversation with anyone, repetition plays a role; I felt like it made the "conversation" more genuine and organic, rather than being annoying, given the tone of the book. So...why the internal battle, you may be wondering? Well, good heavens, did *anyone* at the publisher proofread this book?! I had to fight the urge to break out a red pen and start marking it up. I'm not talking about one or two oops-es. I mean dozens. Outright spelling errors. Missing words completely in a sentence. Using 'in' or 'then' instead of 'on' or 'than'. Not catching when 'frustrating' ought to have been 'frustrated'. Saying Manny when it should have clearly been Millar. Referencing 2004, but calling it 2005. I loved hearing Papi's story. Loved the overall positive tone of the book, which is exactly what I'd expect from David Ortiz. Loved reflecting on how much happened in the ten year span that followed this book to conclude his outstanding career. I won't penalize what I loved with the annoyance of a book that needed an editor to give it half a cursory glance, but if I hadn't loved the content enough to force myself to overlook these errors, I could have easily rated the book two stars, purely for the aggravation of being forced to proofread the book in my head as I read it.
November 3, 2011
Ortiz's story was quite the inspirational story and I find him ever more cool after reading this book. From his upraising in the Dominican to the big leagues and getting drafted by the Twins was something that you don't hear about every day. He didn't let his not-so-stellar upbringing drop his hopes of playing baseball in the big leagues. I loved reading this book because it was relatively easy to get into to being a big fan of Ortiz's plate presence. Looking at Big Papi's life story, it's not hard to believe he is such a giving person. I love this book and would totally suggest it to anyone and everyone. Of course, my views may be a touch jaded.
October 19, 2017
In his memoir David Ortiz describes his journey from the Dominican to the Red Sox, how he went to Florida got sent back to the dominican then got drafted by the Twins. He explains how he stayed with them but they basically asked him to limit how he hits. By only doing certain things with the ball in the game. He talks about how his dad and his mother as very close people to him. After the twins let him go he goes and signs a contract with the red sox. He gives his spin of how much fun it in the dugout with the Red Sox and how great the people there were and why he liked the team and the players so much.
The reason I chose this book is because, I’m a red sox fan, and knowing him through the game and through watching him over the years. I wanted to know more about him. It turned out to me a pretty good story, I really enjoyed it because of the story how he told the story and what he had to say about it. He showed me how hard you actually have to work. “The better your numbers the better your grades, the better it is for you that’s when you really start to understand the competition that there are a lot of other guys looking for the same job, and if you are not producing then they can blow right by you.” Be at a certain place at the right time and you will get a chance. That’s all you needed is one chance. For David it was more like two chances but you have to read the book to find out. How the book worked well for me, is I have always wanted to know the story of big papi. How he was as a person not just as a baseball player, this book did just that it did not just go into detail about his game and how he played it. But also how people were in the dominican what it was like growing up there. “ Sometimes, we didn’t even need a real ball to play. As long as it was something we could throw and hit, we could play baseball with it. I remember time where we could use a bottle cap for a ball because it was easy to make the ball curve or rise dip or turn.” He also says that that’s why he can hit a curve ball from years of trying to hit a slicing bottle cap with a stick growing up. He also explains how GM’s were in the majors and how people are not always going to give you a chance so you have to capitalize on what you have. Like when he got sent back but then the mariners sauted him out and he joined with them. He also grew up to look at everything with two sides, as a kid you generally look at the negative side to things but also looked at the positive side like when he got traded; “after the 96’ season the mariners traded me. To the minnesota twins.” He goes on about how he thought he did something wrong to get traded. But really he learned that someone actually wanted him.
I would definitely recommend the book not just to baseball fans but anyone, I would know a bit about baseball before you read the book so you would know what a batting average is and what other stats mean. He talks a lot about how he did each season relating to his RBI’s and batting averages. It’s overall a great story from his childhood to the Red Sox.
The reason I chose this book is because, I’m a red sox fan, and knowing him through the game and through watching him over the years. I wanted to know more about him. It turned out to me a pretty good story, I really enjoyed it because of the story how he told the story and what he had to say about it. He showed me how hard you actually have to work. “The better your numbers the better your grades, the better it is for you that’s when you really start to understand the competition that there are a lot of other guys looking for the same job, and if you are not producing then they can blow right by you.” Be at a certain place at the right time and you will get a chance. That’s all you needed is one chance. For David it was more like two chances but you have to read the book to find out. How the book worked well for me, is I have always wanted to know the story of big papi. How he was as a person not just as a baseball player, this book did just that it did not just go into detail about his game and how he played it. But also how people were in the dominican what it was like growing up there. “ Sometimes, we didn’t even need a real ball to play. As long as it was something we could throw and hit, we could play baseball with it. I remember time where we could use a bottle cap for a ball because it was easy to make the ball curve or rise dip or turn.” He also says that that’s why he can hit a curve ball from years of trying to hit a slicing bottle cap with a stick growing up. He also explains how GM’s were in the majors and how people are not always going to give you a chance so you have to capitalize on what you have. Like when he got sent back but then the mariners sauted him out and he joined with them. He also grew up to look at everything with two sides, as a kid you generally look at the negative side to things but also looked at the positive side like when he got traded; “after the 96’ season the mariners traded me. To the minnesota twins.” He goes on about how he thought he did something wrong to get traded. But really he learned that someone actually wanted him.
I would definitely recommend the book not just to baseball fans but anyone, I would know a bit about baseball before you read the book so you would know what a batting average is and what other stats mean. He talks a lot about how he did each season relating to his RBI’s and batting averages. It’s overall a great story from his childhood to the Red Sox.
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November 19, 2017 David Ortiz(Big Papi) is a Dominican Republican-born baseball player born in Santo Domingo where his dream is to make it to the MLB. Ortiz was just a little kid when his dream was to become an MLB player, and it happened. He grew up poor in the Dominican, irrelevant to everyone besides family and friends, then once he hit stardom, Ortiz is now one of the most well-known people in all of Dominican Republic. Ortiz brings us into his life from poverty to stardom and the feeling of being in the MLB while heading into the 2007 season. Papi will always tell you to never stop trying or working, because if you put your heart and effort into something, good things will eventually come.
This book was not full of characters, since it was an autobiography, but my favorite would definitely be David Ortiz. The book is literally about his life, thoughts, etc. He showed how his life changed just by working hard and playing baseball. The author(Ortiz himself) really wanted people to react on his journey to the MLB and what's it going to take to make it there. The book is basically an inspirational motive, which Ortiz would have intended for. I really liked the way he expressed everything from poverty, to his mother dying in a car crash, to his life in the Major League and with the Boston Red Sox. Papi told me things that I couldn't even imagine, like as a kid finding whatever they could use for baseball equipment to play the sport such as "A bottle cap for a ball"(27) or using "mop handles and broomsticks"(28) as bats. Ortiz taught me on how to become the greatest baseball player ever, by just working hard and putting in the effort all year long. Papi calls almost everyone "bro" or "pops", and that is how he got one of the most infamous nicknames ever, Big Papi. As this aroused me, I did truly like the way Ortiz fought vigorously after having not the best childhood. His mother dying, his parents divorce, and being poor in Dominican Republic did not stop him to become the man he is today.
Honestly, this was one of the better books that I have read. Ortiz puts a lot of thought into this book through his childhood, the emotional times and the MLB times on and off the field, especially with the Red Sox. To anyone who has a knack for baseball or even just want some fun, heartwarming reading, I highly suggest this book. So whenever you see David Ortiz, whether in Dominican Republic or the baseball field, make sure you give him a "'What's up, Papi?'"(2).
This book was not full of characters, since it was an autobiography, but my favorite would definitely be David Ortiz. The book is literally about his life, thoughts, etc. He showed how his life changed just by working hard and playing baseball. The author(Ortiz himself) really wanted people to react on his journey to the MLB and what's it going to take to make it there. The book is basically an inspirational motive, which Ortiz would have intended for. I really liked the way he expressed everything from poverty, to his mother dying in a car crash, to his life in the Major League and with the Boston Red Sox. Papi told me things that I couldn't even imagine, like as a kid finding whatever they could use for baseball equipment to play the sport such as "A bottle cap for a ball"(27) or using "mop handles and broomsticks"(28) as bats. Ortiz taught me on how to become the greatest baseball player ever, by just working hard and putting in the effort all year long. Papi calls almost everyone "bro" or "pops", and that is how he got one of the most infamous nicknames ever, Big Papi. As this aroused me, I did truly like the way Ortiz fought vigorously after having not the best childhood. His mother dying, his parents divorce, and being poor in Dominican Republic did not stop him to become the man he is today.
Honestly, this was one of the better books that I have read. Ortiz puts a lot of thought into this book through his childhood, the emotional times and the MLB times on and off the field, especially with the Red Sox. To anyone who has a knack for baseball or even just want some fun, heartwarming reading, I highly suggest this book. So whenever you see David Ortiz, whether in Dominican Republic or the baseball field, make sure you give him a "'What's up, Papi?'"(2).
December 17, 2019
An easy read about a legendary Boston sports figure. Most of the material about his time with the Red Sox will be familiar to anyone who has followed them this century. Perhaps less well known is his story of growing up in the midst of poverty and violence in the Dominican and how he was fortunate to overcome those circumstances and make it to the major leagues, a circumstance brought into sharper focus when he was shot there earlier this year in an apparent case of mistaken identity. Fortunately, he has recovered and will be around when his turn for Hall of Fame induction comes up. That might be a good time to reread this book and revisit the career of a great player.
January 30, 2018
Very disappointing. Severely lacking detail and insight. Can’t wait to find out how Ortiz turned it all around in Boston? Be prepared for it to be summed up in four words - I got hot, bro - or - I was killin it. That’s it. And this isn’t a spoiler because the book itself doesn’t contain spoilers. If you know anything at all about Ortiz career, you probably won’t gain much from this. It’s a shame as I love Big Papi. Maybe i was expecting too much.
You need to understand, bro, writing a book is not that easy.
You need to understand, bro, writing a book is not that easy.
July 31, 2018
Love Big Papi, love this book. Wish it never ended because Ortiz is real and hilarious, something a lot of ball players aren’t as they hide their personalities on camera. Loved getting insight in Ortiz’s light from beginning to his peak, released the season he helped the Red Sox won their second World Series in three years and his second of three for his career.
June 11, 2017
Good Summer sports book for Redsox fans. He tells it as he saw it.
April 5, 2021
The best book about David Ortiz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2023
Big Papi: My Story of Big Dreams and Big Hits shows the importance of never giving up on your dreams in sports. David Ortiz goes into detail how he began his career slow and was thought of as an underachiever, but eventually blossomed into one of the most feared hitters in the game and a World Series champion. He ended the "Curse of the Bambino," helping Boston win their first World Series in 2004 for the first time since 1918. Ortiz discusses the course of events in his career, and shows how he became a role model for not only people in Boston and across the country, but back home in his native country of the Dominican Republic. His charming personality and winning attitude is something that all sports fans can benefit from by reading this book. He not only focuses on his success and accomplishments, but the impact that he made on other people's lives as well.
March 20, 2017
This is a phenomenal book, one of the greatest baseball players of all time and this book just does such a fantastic job of giving us perspective of David Ortiz's life. It goes through the personal life aspects of his career, giving us great insight of his feelings and thoughts throughout all endevours. Really a fantastic read if you are into learning more about your favorite player and how they got to that point that they are your favorite player.
June 2, 2010
"Big Papi: My Story of Big Dreams and Big Hits" is a funny and entertaining autobiography/biography written by no other than "Big Papi" David Ortiz and Tony Massaroti. I picked up this book because I'm a Mets fan and David Ortiz has a reputation for being a clown and a funny guy. This book is all about bragging rights and how sucessful Big Papi was from 2004-07. If you're a Yankee fan this book will bring back bad moments like when the Red Sox came back from 3-0 to beat the Yankees and eventually win the World Series.
Big Papi grew up in the Dominican Republic where he learned how to play baseball the right way and how to be friendly with everybody. Ortiz even admits he doesn't even know how he ended up in Boston or how come the 2004-07 seasons were so sucessful. To him it just happened and no further explanation is needed. Once Ortiz arrived in Boston he led the Red Sox to World Series' and most notably the 2004 ALCS. Ortiz has accomplished what most Major leaguers dream of: 2 rings and a whole scrap book full of clutch hits and homers.
Unlike most biographies, this book has 2 perspectives: Ortiz and Massaroti. When we read from Ortiz's point of view he's always cool and frank about everything just like an everyday person. We see his lovable persona and get-along attitude as recaps his life from birth to present. Massaroti on the other hand does what a sports analyst would do and exempliflies Ortiz's achievements and explains how incredible they truly are. For example, Ortiz had 2 game winning hits against arguably the greatest closer, Mariano Rivera in the 2004 ALCS.
All non-yankee fans are recommended to read this book because it shows how one man stepped up to the plate, became a Yankee-killer, and lifted the Red Sox to center stage twice. If you tired of seeing the Yankees win or pick up a new superstar, then you can always read this book and reflect on all the moments where the Yankees were lost and the Red Sox were champs.
Big Papi grew up in the Dominican Republic where he learned how to play baseball the right way and how to be friendly with everybody. Ortiz even admits he doesn't even know how he ended up in Boston or how come the 2004-07 seasons were so sucessful. To him it just happened and no further explanation is needed. Once Ortiz arrived in Boston he led the Red Sox to World Series' and most notably the 2004 ALCS. Ortiz has accomplished what most Major leaguers dream of: 2 rings and a whole scrap book full of clutch hits and homers.
Unlike most biographies, this book has 2 perspectives: Ortiz and Massaroti. When we read from Ortiz's point of view he's always cool and frank about everything just like an everyday person. We see his lovable persona and get-along attitude as recaps his life from birth to present. Massaroti on the other hand does what a sports analyst would do and exempliflies Ortiz's achievements and explains how incredible they truly are. For example, Ortiz had 2 game winning hits against arguably the greatest closer, Mariano Rivera in the 2004 ALCS.
All non-yankee fans are recommended to read this book because it shows how one man stepped up to the plate, became a Yankee-killer, and lifted the Red Sox to center stage twice. If you tired of seeing the Yankees win or pick up a new superstar, then you can always read this book and reflect on all the moments where the Yankees were lost and the Red Sox were champs.
September 16, 2016
I just completed the book Big Papi: My Story of Big Dreams and Big Hits by David Ortiz. This book is about the journey of baseball superstar David Ortiz from the ghettos of the Dominican Republic to global stardom as a designated hitter for the major league baseball team the Boston Red Sox. The major characters in this book are David Ortiz, David's father, and many of David's teammates present and former. The book depicts the importance of baseball to the people of the Dominican Republic and how it played an important role in David's life. Especially the fact that without baseball David, like many of his friends, could've ended up in jail or dead.
I enjoyed the fact that this book shows the struggles of becoming a professional athlete. I enjoyed this because many view the lives of professional athletes as an easy one, when their are many hardships that they face on a daily life. Ranging from media to physical injuries athletes careers and livelihoods can be destroyed in mere hours. I did not like the way this book was written. It was written as if it was a three hundred page dialogue between David and a journalist. This made for a difficult read due to having to re-read many parts of the book to comprehend what was happening. If I could change anything it would be the writing style of this book. A more traditional biography would more easily convey ideas and be more of a story than an interview.
I believe any baseball fan or sports fan in general would enjoy this book about one of America's athletic superstars. I believe this because it offers an in depth look at an athlete's life.
I enjoyed the fact that this book shows the struggles of becoming a professional athlete. I enjoyed this because many view the lives of professional athletes as an easy one, when their are many hardships that they face on a daily life. Ranging from media to physical injuries athletes careers and livelihoods can be destroyed in mere hours. I did not like the way this book was written. It was written as if it was a three hundred page dialogue between David and a journalist. This made for a difficult read due to having to re-read many parts of the book to comprehend what was happening. If I could change anything it would be the writing style of this book. A more traditional biography would more easily convey ideas and be more of a story than an interview.
I believe any baseball fan or sports fan in general would enjoy this book about one of America's athletic superstars. I believe this because it offers an in depth look at an athlete's life.
January 10, 2008
Ok- so firstly, Tony Massarotti (the co-author) only had a few chapters, which was good. The problem is that he seemed to have a tendency to run-on. His paragraphs would often consist of two sentences. It made reading his sections a little irritating. Other than that, his contributions were an interesting outsiders view to whatever Ortiz was talking about at the time.
Secondly- Ortiz. I like that they deliberately kept his "voice", and didn't edit so much that it read as professional. It wasn't written by a writer, it was written by David Ortiz- slugger extraordinaire. It's very evident in the tone. However, that also means that like Ortiz's speech, the result was somewhat less than linear. I'd often find myself thinking, "wait, what?", and having to go back an reread. Completely worthwhile, however, as he's a funny man.
The only "complaint" I had was that I thought there was too much citing of statistics, particularly Ortiz's. I like stats as much as the next person, but really- If I wanted them, I could look 'em up. Here and there would have been fine, but I felt like every major game, week, month, season- Ortiz quoted his stats at us. Yes, David- you're phenomenal, I know. That's why I'm reading the book. But I can find your stats online. What I can't find are your thoughts, reactions and opinions. That's what I wanted from the book.
Don't get me wrong, there was plenty of that too. I just wish there had been slightly less in the way of numbers. But all in all, worth a read.
Secondly- Ortiz. I like that they deliberately kept his "voice", and didn't edit so much that it read as professional. It wasn't written by a writer, it was written by David Ortiz- slugger extraordinaire. It's very evident in the tone. However, that also means that like Ortiz's speech, the result was somewhat less than linear. I'd often find myself thinking, "wait, what?", and having to go back an reread. Completely worthwhile, however, as he's a funny man.
The only "complaint" I had was that I thought there was too much citing of statistics, particularly Ortiz's. I like stats as much as the next person, but really- If I wanted them, I could look 'em up. Here and there would have been fine, but I felt like every major game, week, month, season- Ortiz quoted his stats at us. Yes, David- you're phenomenal, I know. That's why I'm reading the book. But I can find your stats online. What I can't find are your thoughts, reactions and opinions. That's what I wanted from the book.
Don't get me wrong, there was plenty of that too. I just wish there had been slightly less in the way of numbers. But all in all, worth a read.
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April 9, 2012The book written by David Ortiz was a very inspirational story anout how hard work and persovierance can pay off in the long run. In the book, Oetiz discusses his lofe in the Domenican Republic, and how life revolved around baseball. In the Domenican, he and his friends would often skip school amd play baseball all day. However they often did not even have the proper equiptment. Ortiz said that ofetn they would use oranges or dried out socks as baseballs and broom sticks as bats. However, this gave him the oppurtunity to become a proffesional.
Ortiz, after years of playing with poor equiptment was finally given his oppurtunity by the minnesota twin. The after two years of playing with the twins he was traded to the boston redsox. While playin for the red sox, he had several successful seasons, and helped lead the red sox to two world series victories. This shows how hard work can help pay off.
I enjoyed reading this book because it shows how hard work does pay off. Also, it shows to neer gie up on your dreams, and follow them until the end because good things can happen if you work hard. Ortiz is a prime example because he grew up playing baseball with oranges and dried up socks, yet he still made it to the preffessional leagues. That shows that no matter your situation good things can happen if you work hard. Therefore I enjoyed this book because it showed that with hard work, you can achieve your dreams.
Ortiz, after years of playing with poor equiptment was finally given his oppurtunity by the minnesota twin. The after two years of playing with the twins he was traded to the boston redsox. While playin for the red sox, he had several successful seasons, and helped lead the red sox to two world series victories. This shows how hard work can help pay off.
I enjoyed reading this book because it shows how hard work does pay off. Also, it shows to neer gie up on your dreams, and follow them until the end because good things can happen if you work hard. Ortiz is a prime example because he grew up playing baseball with oranges and dried up socks, yet he still made it to the preffessional leagues. That shows that no matter your situation good things can happen if you work hard. Therefore I enjoyed this book because it showed that with hard work, you can achieve your dreams.
April 11, 2014
The book Big Papi: My story of Big Dreams and Big Hits is a pretty good book. It goes very in-depth with Big Papi life and how he grew up in the DR. When he came to America it was very different for him. It also talks about how he played in the minor leagues with Minnesota and then it goes to the part of when he came to Boston. He talks about how the city has been great to him, so great that he decided to raise a family here. His kids now go to school here and also love to just be in the city. But he also reminds us how to be a good person when you see a famous person in public and he says this is very important. He talks about how it’s ok to say hi and ask him how it’s going and talk about a game. But he also says that it is very annoying for all athletes when you ask them for money or autographs when it is their free time. Its fine when there in the Baseball mode. Then he will remind us of the big hits and big games he had had and has played in. It is awesome! Tony Massorati also talks about Big Papi and how he made the city of Boston and the whole Red Sox nation. Papi says he loves the city and would love to and wants to stay here for the rest of his career. Papi has had many clutch hits and he talks about them. He also talks about his former teammates and his former teams and how each one of them is special in different ways.
That is my review of Big Papi: My Story of Big Dreams and Big Hits!
By,
Matt McLaughlin
That is my review of Big Papi: My Story of Big Dreams and Big Hits!
By,
Matt McLaughlin
September 22, 2012
"Big Papi: My Story of Big Dreams and Big Hits," covers the story of David Ortiz, a native of the Dominican Republic who grew up in the slums, and beat all odds to become a successful MLB baseball player. The story goes through his journey to becoming a everyday player and how he had to deal with rejection, and let downs throughout his career. It talks about how Ortiz was recruited, signed, and then told he simply wasn't good enough by teams such as the: Seattle Mariners and Florida Marlins. It also talks about how he redeemed himself by coming through in the clutch in many situations throughout his postseason appearances with the Boston Red Sox. A great thing about this book is that it is told from by David Ortiz, which really gives the reader a strong understanding of how Ortiz felt throughout his long, winding journey to the Majors. Since I am a avid sports fan, I personally loved this book and thought it was a great, well told story that really captured the emotions and feelings of David Ortiz. I would recommend this book to anyone who like me, loves sports and has a deep understanding of the game of baseball. I would recommend that people who don't have extensive knowledge about baseball skip this book simple because they wouldn't get a lot of enjoyment out of it.
June 22, 2007
A) I have NEVER gotten as many looks on the subway as I have when I've read this book on the way to and from work. They ranged from amusement to confusion to disgust to mutual affection. B) Massarotti alternates between writing in his own voice and "ghost writing" in Papi's. Massarotti's chapters are fantastic. And I like hearing Papi's stories, but ... I think they went a little far in capturing Ortiz's "voice". Because the word "bro" can appear upwards of 8 times on a page. It's completely over the top and is incredibly distracting. There is a reason people don't write the way they speak.
That said, it was a good, mindless summer read and it's always fun to relive the 2004 season.
Final review: it was ok.
That said, it was a good, mindless summer read and it's always fun to relive the 2004 season.
Final review: it was ok.
November 10, 2008
There were many things I liked about this book and some I didn't. However, the good out weighted the bad. It felt like Ortiz was talking to you and I appreciated they didn't clean up his words and make him sound like a professor. Yes, the excessive use of bro and dude bothered me, but after the first few chapters I could overlook them. I didn't know much about his pre Red Sox career and I enjoyed that. He came across as a very nice person and respectful of his competition.
The negatives I found- I wish he had more stories into his younger years. I also would have rather seen more earlier pictures and pictures with his family than the ones I can see in any sports magazine. Also, there were times he seemed to jump around in his time line of his career.
The negatives I found- I wish he had more stories into his younger years. I also would have rather seen more earlier pictures and pictures with his family than the ones I can see in any sports magazine. Also, there were times he seemed to jump around in his time line of his career.
February 16, 2015
I absolutely fell in love with this book. It was an inspirational story about David Ortiz growing up in the Dominican Republic, and how he, his dad, and his mom get out of the DR and start a new life to succeed in America, where his talent is baseball. I have always idolized Big Papi from a baseball standpoint, and from an emotional standpoint, and this book makes me give him the uttermost respect in those regards. I recommend this book to mostly Boston fans as I bet opposing fans probably would dislike this novel. If I could, although, I would give this novel 6 stars! It was truly a great read.
April 17, 2008
Very light reading, typical of many sports/entertainment biographies. Nonetheless, if you are a big fan of the Boston Red Sox or simply of Big Papi himself, you will glean some very informative insights into his progression and evolution from an under-valued disappointment, into one of the biggest stars the game has ever seen. What really puts this bio over, are the reminisces from the likes of Pedro Martinez, Torii Hunter, Terry Ryan (Minnesota GM) and Theo Epstein (Boston GM) that come in chapter form . Highly recommended mainly for Sox fans.
August 29, 2007
Most of the book is Ortiz's stories, in his own words. Unfortunately, his own words do not translate well on paper. Nearly every sentence ends in "bro," as in, "I was hitting like crazy, bro" or "We don't fear the Yankees, bro." It makes it pretty tough reading. Additionally, Ortiz's life is not that exciting. Some of the stories of 2004 season are pretty good, but its just not enough to make this a must read.
July 24, 2011
This book only increased my huge David Ortiz crush. I so want to give this book four stars because I just love David Ortiz. Unfortunately, though, I found myself tiring of all of the baseball stats and wishing the book talked more about the price of fame, life on the road, etc. It's entirely possible that this is just how sports books are - I think that this is the first I've ever read! The best parts for me were about growing up in the DR. Funny with a good voice.
June 15, 2009
Good biography on David Ortiz. The chapters are alternatively written by Ortiz and Tony Massarotti. Reading the ones written by Ortiz can be a bit annoying because every other sentence ends with "bro." Like: "Winning the 2004 World Series was the best thing in my life, bro!" Overall, it wasn't too bad.
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