David Ortiz

David Ortiz is a Dominican designated hitter on the Boston Red Sox.

Ortiz began his career in Minnesota in 1997. In 2002, he had his first real breakout season, hitting 20 homers and 75 RBI. He was signed by Boston in 2003, playing mostly first base or DH. In 2004, he was assigned solely to play DH, a move which clearly benefited his hitting skills. He hit 41 home runs and drove in 139 runs, leading the Red Sox to the playoffs. His clutch hits in the playoffs helped carry the Sox to their first World Series victory in 86 years. He had back to back walk off hits to win Games 4 and 5 of the ALCS and was named MVP of the series.

Ortiz didn’t slow down at all in the following seasons. He hit 47 homers in 2005, and then 54 in 2006, including 3 walk-offs. In 2007, despite playing injured for most of the season, Ortiz hit 35 homers and helped the Red Sox win the World Series again.