Big Papi: My Story of Big Dreams and Big Hits - Softcover

Ortiz, David; Massarotti, Tony

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0312383444 ISBN 13: 9780312383442

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin, 2008

Synopsis

Feared by pitchers and loved by baseball fans of all stripes, David "Big Papi" Ortiz wields a big bat, a huge smile, and an even bigger heart. In this blockbuster biography, Ortiz tells his tale: Growing up poor in the Dominican Republic, struggling through the minor leagues in an unfamiliar country, and ultimately finding success as a late-inning hero for the Boston Red Sox . . . and helping his team make the greatest comeback in sports history by winning the 2004 World Series. In 2006 he broke the team record with 54 home runs and started the All-Star game for the third straight year in 2007.

Along the way he shares his hard-won wisdom, sidesplitting laughs from the clubhouse, thoughts about his famous teammates and opponents, and some remarkably candid opinions. Big Papi is an unforgettable story about a sports hero that will have readers cheering with every page.

About this title

From the Back Cover

Through an extraordinary ability to perform under pressure, David Ortiz has gone from toting the heavy burden of potential to being one of the most celebrated performers in baseball history. Along the way, a baseball legend was born: BIG PAPI. 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 inBoston, 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.

About the Author

David Ortiz has averaged more than 43 home runs and 131 RBIs as a member of the Boston Red Sox, leading all major-league players in RBIs during the four-year period from 2003 to 2006. Ortiz has spent all or parts of ten years in the major leagues. In 2006, he hit 54 home runs to set a Red Sox franchise record, breaking the mark previously held by Hall of Famer Jimmie Foxx.

Tony Massarotti began covering baseball in 1991 for the Boston Herald. He coauthored the bestselling book A Tale of Two Cities: The 2004 Yankees-Red Sox Rivalry and the War for the Pennant. He lives in the Boston area with his wife, Natalie, and their sons, Alexander and Xavier.

About this edition

• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0312383444
• ISBN 13: 9780312383442
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 288