Big Papi: My Story of Big Dreams and Big Hits

by David Ortiz, Tony Massarotti (Contributor)

"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."

Genres: Biography

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 17, 2007

Reviews

[Henry]

The Red Sox were the first professional sports team I ever watched on TV and the first team I went to see in real life. Ever since I was in kindergarten I've been a fan, and as soon as I saw a book by David Ortiz, I knew I had to read it.

The book has chapters mostly told by Ortiz, and the story begins with his career in Minnesota. Ortiz feared for his career after failing to capitalize on opportunities, and the team opted to choose Matt Lecroy over him. Following his release, he traveled to his home in Dominican Republic and ran into former Red Sox pitcher Pedro Martinez. Martinez, also Dominican, recruited Ortiz to Boston and called Theo Epstein to get a deal into place. Originally signing for a bargain, Ortiz thrived in his time in Boston, and won a World Series in his second year there, finishing third in MVP voting.

Old teammates such as Torii Hunter give insight on what it was like playing with Ortiz, and what life was like as young ballplayers. Stories were told about when Ortiz was still learning English, and how the young guys would all get Chinese food together when they had enough money.

I enjoyed reading because Ortiz is a funny writer. He uses the word "bro" in just about every other sentence and is a likeable person, so his stories are enjoyable. Something that could have been changed is the element of surprise to non-Red Sox fans or baseball fans. At times, Ortiz assumed the reader knew the outcome of a particular series. Like when he described the epic 3-0 comeback, he lets the reader know early in the chapter that the Red Sox eventually came back. This is known by almost any Red Sox fan, but a casual fan or someone with little information about his career may have been discouraged to keep reading that portion of the book.

Overall, I enjoyed Big Papi's book, and hope he comes out with a follow up story about his career due to his recent retirement. Give this book a chance if you are a baseball fan, and definitely read if you are a Red Sox fan.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

His co-author and his editor didn't do him any favors here. The writing style was rather boring and I found myself skimming a lot of pages towards the end of the book. Although I've been a lifelong Cubs fan, I'm a big fan of David Ortiz since I finally caught the famous series vs. NY on YT. However, his warmth and generosity as a human being really wasn't showcased here as well as it could've been. The pre-Boston days were rather interesting, the Boston days coverage was strangely unsatisfying and meager, and post Pedro Martinez days were downright boring. Perhaps in reality they were, who knows? Glad I read it, learned a little more about Big Papi, but somewhat disappointing read.

[Nate]

I thought that this was a nice biography and gave me a different understanding of big papi

[Jordan Fauci]

You cant help but love Big Papi. This book by Tony Massionoti is just further proof of Papi's triumphs on and off the field. This book really gets in depth into the relationships that he formed over his one day hall of fame career. He overcame a lot to get where he is today, and this book tells you the whole story. He is a unique individual that has given back to the community ten fold. He is a great baseball player, but he's even a better human being."To the world im big papi but my dad still calls me Dahveed"a quote that is so simple yet so loaded. I hope others enjoy this book like I did it was a great read and also gathers even more insight on that historic 2004 team that came back from a 3-0 deficit against the Yankees. This recommendable book for anyone who enjoys baseball and its a must read for Red Sox. Not a very challenging read however the information gained about Papis life if in depth and shows you the real gritty side to his rise to greatness.

[Jake Tritchonis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heart warming and eye opening Biography on the life of a famous baseball player. Being a previous fan of the Boston Red Sox (haven't watched baseball in many years, sort of stopped liking the sport) I never realized the struggle Big Papi had to go through just to become a Major League Ball Player. This Biography tells the tale of how David Ortiz came to be the man he is now. The struggles he went through, and the struggles most Dominican Baseball players had to go through just to make a name for themselves. It's an excellent read and I definitely recommend it to baseball enthusiasts and especially Red Sox fans.

[Zach Shapiro · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Biography Big Papi was a very good read and it actually exceeded my expectations. I did not realize how hard David Ortiz had his career begin. From countless years being held in the minor leagues and such a long time trying to get to the MLB. The fact that he almost quit baseball and was cut from camp his first season with the marlins Rookie team. David really does teach valuable life lessons that have to do with more than baseball but also with life.