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Papi: My Story
An entertaining, unfiltered memoir by one of the game’s greatest, most clutch sluggers and beloved personalities
David “Big Papi” Ortiz is a baseball icon and one of the most popular figures ever to play the game. As a key part of the Boston Red Sox for 14 years, David has helped the team win 3 World Series, bringing back a storied franchise from “never wins” to “always wins.” He helped them upend the doubts, the naysayers, the nonbelievers and captured the imagination of millions of fans along the way, as he launched balls into the stands again, and again, and again. He made Boston and the Red Sox his home, his place of work, and his legacy. As he put This is our f*ing city .
Now, looking back at the end of his legendary career, Ortiz opens up fully for the first time about his last two decades in the game. Unhindered by political correctness, Ortiz talks colorfully about his journey, from his poor upbringing in the Dominican Republic to when the expansion Florida Marlins passed up a chance to sign him due to what was essentially tennis elbow. He recalls his days in Peoria, Arizona, his first time in the United States; tense exchanges with Twins manager Tom Kelly in Minnesota; and his arrival in Boston. Readers go behind the scenes for the many milestones of his Red Sox career— from the huge disappointment of the Red Sox losing to the Yankees in 2003, ending the curse in 2004 with the infamous “band of idiots," including his extraordinary clutch hitting to overcome a 3-0 series deficit against the Yankees, to earning a second title in 2007 and a third in 2013. Along the way, he was tainted by the infamous banned substances list in 2009; he used his passion and place to fortify a city devastated by the Boston Marathon bombings; and he dominated pitchers right up through his retirement season at age 40. Papi, as he became so affectionately called, gave his fans big hits when they needed them most. He was an even bigger He was a champion who rallied a team, a city, and a sport in a way that no one will ever forget.
In Papi , his ultimate memoir, Ortiz opens up as never before about his life in baseball and about the problems he sees in Major League Baseball, about former teammates, opponents, coaches, and executives, and about the weight of expectation whenever he stepped up to the plate. The result is a revelatory, fly-on-the wall story of a career by a player with a lot to say at the end of his time in the game, a game to which he gave so much and which gave so much to him.
David “Big Papi” Ortiz is a baseball icon and one of the most popular figures ever to play the game. As a key part of the Boston Red Sox for 14 years, David has helped the team win 3 World Series, bringing back a storied franchise from “never wins” to “always wins.” He helped them upend the doubts, the naysayers, the nonbelievers and captured the imagination of millions of fans along the way, as he launched balls into the stands again, and again, and again. He made Boston and the Red Sox his home, his place of work, and his legacy. As he put This is our f*ing city .
Now, looking back at the end of his legendary career, Ortiz opens up fully for the first time about his last two decades in the game. Unhindered by political correctness, Ortiz talks colorfully about his journey, from his poor upbringing in the Dominican Republic to when the expansion Florida Marlins passed up a chance to sign him due to what was essentially tennis elbow. He recalls his days in Peoria, Arizona, his first time in the United States; tense exchanges with Twins manager Tom Kelly in Minnesota; and his arrival in Boston. Readers go behind the scenes for the many milestones of his Red Sox career— from the huge disappointment of the Red Sox losing to the Yankees in 2003, ending the curse in 2004 with the infamous “band of idiots," including his extraordinary clutch hitting to overcome a 3-0 series deficit against the Yankees, to earning a second title in 2007 and a third in 2013. Along the way, he was tainted by the infamous banned substances list in 2009; he used his passion and place to fortify a city devastated by the Boston Marathon bombings; and he dominated pitchers right up through his retirement season at age 40. Papi, as he became so affectionately called, gave his fans big hits when they needed them most. He was an even bigger He was a champion who rallied a team, a city, and a sport in a way that no one will ever forget.
In Papi , his ultimate memoir, Ortiz opens up as never before about his life in baseball and about the problems he sees in Major League Baseball, about former teammates, opponents, coaches, and executives, and about the weight of expectation whenever he stepped up to the plate. The result is a revelatory, fly-on-the wall story of a career by a player with a lot to say at the end of his time in the game, a game to which he gave so much and which gave so much to him.
262 pages, Hardcover
First published May 16, 2017
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601 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
June 4, 2017
I relived a lot of amazing moments reading this book. And he sure didn't hold back in expressing how he feels about certain people. Ortiz is such an important part of Red Sox history and certainly left an impression on the city of Boston. I enjoyed recounting his impressive career.
June 13, 2020
My favorite player of all-time is David Ortiz. I grew up at the right time. As a teenager, I got to watch him hit clutch home runs all the time during the regular season and the postseason. He was a player that would do a lot of the ball club, but also the community as he would do a lot for charities. I would be doing myself a disservice if I didn't read a book about David Ortiz, especially since he is okay now after he got shot. Reading a book about David Ortiz is something that helped the soul as he is a very positive person. What he has done for Boston for more than a dozen years will always make me love him the most. His speech after the Boston Bombings might be the best speech ever and is the reason that I loved Big Papi even more. His legacy with the Boston Red Sox really made it an easy decision to read this book.
David Ortiz was not as privileged as a lot of Americans are right now. Growing up in the Dominican Republic, David Ortiz always had to be careful because of the dangerous neighborhood that he grew up in. Ortiz dedicated a lot of what he did in baseball to his parents that would have to work multiple jobs for Ortiz to pursue his baseball career. It was something that David Ortiz would talk about a lot in this book. His baseball life was struggling as he would have to go through two systems, the Florida Marlins, and the Minnesota Twins. The most difficult thing that he would go through was the death of his mother in the Dominican Republic. This was something that was very hard for Ortiz as he would have to end up coping with the awful experience of losing his mother. Every time Ortiz hits a home run, he will point up to the sky in honor of his mother. The death of Ortiz's mother and the release from the Twins would hurt, but it wasn't until the Red Sox would call (thanks Pedro!) Ortiz to play for them. After a rough stretch with the Red Sox and a trade request, Ortiz would catch fire and never look back as he would end up becoming the DH. After breaking the curse and his speech after the Boston Bombings, David Ortiz would cement his career as a Red Sox, and his life in America.
Reading this book allowed me to listen to David Ortiz. Not just his words, but his voice. This is why I love to read biographies, especially if the person the book about ends up writing it. It always makes the book so much better when hearing from the person in his or her own voice. This is why I love these types of books so much. Also, Ortiz's story is something that motivates everyone and it makes us smile unless if you are a Yankees fan although you guys would also have a better hand on us for a while. The way that this book was written made me very happy and made me feel like I was listening to David Ortiz which is something that every biography's goal should be. This story deserved to be written and I am happy that I got to read and listen to this book from David Ortiz's perspective. This made me happy.
This book was awesome. I loved it so much that the only complaint that I have is how it wasn't any longer. I wished that this book was written later as it would include some post-retirement stories and philosophies. It would also hopefully inspire us about his recovery when he got shot in the Dominican Republic. I loved this book so much though that I don't have any real complaints about it.
David Ortiz was not as privileged as a lot of Americans are right now. Growing up in the Dominican Republic, David Ortiz always had to be careful because of the dangerous neighborhood that he grew up in. Ortiz dedicated a lot of what he did in baseball to his parents that would have to work multiple jobs for Ortiz to pursue his baseball career. It was something that David Ortiz would talk about a lot in this book. His baseball life was struggling as he would have to go through two systems, the Florida Marlins, and the Minnesota Twins. The most difficult thing that he would go through was the death of his mother in the Dominican Republic. This was something that was very hard for Ortiz as he would have to end up coping with the awful experience of losing his mother. Every time Ortiz hits a home run, he will point up to the sky in honor of his mother. The death of Ortiz's mother and the release from the Twins would hurt, but it wasn't until the Red Sox would call (thanks Pedro!) Ortiz to play for them. After a rough stretch with the Red Sox and a trade request, Ortiz would catch fire and never look back as he would end up becoming the DH. After breaking the curse and his speech after the Boston Bombings, David Ortiz would cement his career as a Red Sox, and his life in America.
Reading this book allowed me to listen to David Ortiz. Not just his words, but his voice. This is why I love to read biographies, especially if the person the book about ends up writing it. It always makes the book so much better when hearing from the person in his or her own voice. This is why I love these types of books so much. Also, Ortiz's story is something that motivates everyone and it makes us smile unless if you are a Yankees fan although you guys would also have a better hand on us for a while. The way that this book was written made me very happy and made me feel like I was listening to David Ortiz which is something that every biography's goal should be. This story deserved to be written and I am happy that I got to read and listen to this book from David Ortiz's perspective. This made me happy.
This book was awesome. I loved it so much that the only complaint that I have is how it wasn't any longer. I wished that this book was written later as it would include some post-retirement stories and philosophies. It would also hopefully inspire us about his recovery when he got shot in the Dominican Republic. I loved this book so much though that I don't have any real complaints about it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2018
5 stars for Papi.
David Ortiz (aka Big Papi) retired in 2016, and he is one of my all-time favorite baseball players on my favorite team, the Boston Red Sox.
He was the face of the Red Sox for 14 seasons and an ambassador for the game. He comes across as cocky in parts of his book, but it is always a good cocky - I never felt that he was mean or negative in any way while he played baseball - he always seemed to be happy when he was on the field, and there is a lot to be said about that.
In this book, I learned how formative Papi’s relationship with his teammates, Pedro Martinez and Manny Ramirez was for his baseball career and really his life in general. Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz made up arguably the best and most lethal 3-4 hitting combination in baseball history. I remember times while watching them especially during the playoffs and thinking that those two could get a hit every time they got up to the plate - they were really that good!
I also gained a lot of respect for Jon Lester who now plays for the Chicago Cubs, but was a big part of Boston’s World Series championships in 2007 and 2013. Lester is a cancer survivor and from what Papi says here in his book, Lester is a wonderful teammate and person.
I enjoyed Big Papi’s walk down memory lane and this look back at his career. He was a true professional in every sense of the term “professional baseball player”, and is just a very lovable guy. I’d definitely recommend this for Red Sox fans or just baseball fans in general. It is a very quick read and it takes you behind the scenes of the larger than life stage of playing for the Boston Red Sox and finally winning not just one, but 3 World Series there.
David Ortiz (aka Big Papi) retired in 2016, and he is one of my all-time favorite baseball players on my favorite team, the Boston Red Sox.
He was the face of the Red Sox for 14 seasons and an ambassador for the game. He comes across as cocky in parts of his book, but it is always a good cocky - I never felt that he was mean or negative in any way while he played baseball - he always seemed to be happy when he was on the field, and there is a lot to be said about that.
In this book, I learned how formative Papi’s relationship with his teammates, Pedro Martinez and Manny Ramirez was for his baseball career and really his life in general. Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz made up arguably the best and most lethal 3-4 hitting combination in baseball history. I remember times while watching them especially during the playoffs and thinking that those two could get a hit every time they got up to the plate - they were really that good!
I also gained a lot of respect for Jon Lester who now plays for the Chicago Cubs, but was a big part of Boston’s World Series championships in 2007 and 2013. Lester is a cancer survivor and from what Papi says here in his book, Lester is a wonderful teammate and person.
I enjoyed Big Papi’s walk down memory lane and this look back at his career. He was a true professional in every sense of the term “professional baseball player”, and is just a very lovable guy. I’d definitely recommend this for Red Sox fans or just baseball fans in general. It is a very quick read and it takes you behind the scenes of the larger than life stage of playing for the Boston Red Sox and finally winning not just one, but 3 World Series there.
August 22, 2018
This was a good time. I was thinking of Pedro's book a lot while I was reading it, partly because there are similarities and partly because he talks about Pedro a lot. It sounds like we have Pedro to thank for quite a bit - Papi claims that the only reason the Red Sox signed him and then started playing him regularly is because Pedro insisted on it, and I know that the management claims this is not true, but I'm sure it is at least partly true. There's some truth in there. And then on top of that, he says that Pedro would sit in the dugout watching the opposing pitchers and sometimes tell him what he was going to see in his next at bat, which led to some of Papi's many homers and doubles. He also says that when he was new in town and lonely, he used to take his kids and Manny would take his kids and they would all go hang out at Pedro's.
The thing that was similar was a certain ability to hold a grudge. Papi is not as worked up about old grudges as Pedro, but he's still a little pissed. Particularly at the Twins for releasing him. And at Dan Shaugnnessy, for constantly harassing him and claiming that when he was playing poorly he was washed up, and when he was playing well he must be on steroids. Papi also raises a good point, repeatedly - why do the Sox always play hardball with long-time Red Sox players at contract time, and then turn around and give these giant contracts to people like Carl Crawford and Pablo Sandoval? Why low-ball John Lester, and then pay David Price a bajillion dollars to replace him?
So anyway, by the end of this, one does get a little tired of the whole "no one believed in me" shtick, but I love David Ortiz so much that I didn't really care. And I got to relive the '04, '07, and '13 seasons through the book.
The thing that was similar was a certain ability to hold a grudge. Papi is not as worked up about old grudges as Pedro, but he's still a little pissed. Particularly at the Twins for releasing him. And at Dan Shaugnnessy, for constantly harassing him and claiming that when he was playing poorly he was washed up, and when he was playing well he must be on steroids. Papi also raises a good point, repeatedly - why do the Sox always play hardball with long-time Red Sox players at contract time, and then turn around and give these giant contracts to people like Carl Crawford and Pablo Sandoval? Why low-ball John Lester, and then pay David Price a bajillion dollars to replace him?
So anyway, by the end of this, one does get a little tired of the whole "no one believed in me" shtick, but I love David Ortiz so much that I didn't really care. And I got to relive the '04, '07, and '13 seasons through the book.
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July 6, 2017David Ortiz, one of the best players the Red Sox have ever seen, is writing about his career in this memoir. He starts when he is a child and living in the Dominican Republic and continues on through his time with the Red Sox. It’s a well written and emotional book. Ortiz gives an inside view of the Red Sox organization, which he spent 13 years with, and it isn’t always favorable. He also relates stories about Pedro Martinez and Manny Ramirez, his teammates from the early Red Sox years. Big Papi is a larger than life character, and this is a great book to read if you follow the Red Sox and want to know more about the career of one of the team’s best players. —Barb (https://www.bookish.com/articles/staf...)
June 21, 2019
I love the Red Sox and I love David Ortiz, but I didn't love the book. Understandably, covering a 20 year career is a lot, but I felt like there were many things that were glossed over. I was shocked at the bitterness displayed in the book, but that's his truth. I just wish we could have seen more of his jovial side throughout.
I thought it was ironic that in describing the difference between his life in the DR and his life in the United States he said, "I knew I wasn't going to get shot playing baseball." Not three years after retiring he was shot in the DR.
My favorite quote from the book is regarding the 2004 post-season: "The only person who said that [the Red Sox were going to come back] was my friend Kevin Millar, but of course *he* would say that - Millar doesn't have a brain."
I thought it was ironic that in describing the difference between his life in the DR and his life in the United States he said, "I knew I wasn't going to get shot playing baseball." Not three years after retiring he was shot in the DR.
My favorite quote from the book is regarding the 2004 post-season: "The only person who said that [the Red Sox were going to come back] was my friend Kevin Millar, but of course *he* would say that - Millar doesn't have a brain."
June 11, 2020
Big Papi is my favorite baseball player and the chance to read about his career interested me. The book gives some interesting insights into various key moments throughout the last 15 years or so of Red Sox baseball. Many times I found myself remembering events as he wrote about them.
The book is conversational, almost like Ortiz is writing a journal. However he regularly gives the impression that he was never in the wrong and all the criticism he received over his career was based on misunderstandings, unknown injuries, or racism. All of this could be true, but I doubt Ortiz is above criticism either.
Still it was neat to fill in some details and gain his perspective as the greatest DH in baseball history. 😀
The book is conversational, almost like Ortiz is writing a journal. However he regularly gives the impression that he was never in the wrong and all the criticism he received over his career was based on misunderstandings, unknown injuries, or racism. All of this could be true, but I doubt Ortiz is above criticism either.
Still it was neat to fill in some details and gain his perspective as the greatest DH in baseball history. 😀
June 3, 2017
It's a solid 5 for the story and performance of a player like Big Papi, a 1 for the writing. I'm a fan of baseball and for everything David Ortiz embodied playing the game. It's much of the reason I struggled through this book though the writing was lackluster, I just wish he'd gotten a better writer to work with on this book. Still worth the read.
July 15, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. It gave me a chance to relive many great moments for the Red Sox and Ortiz. The team misses him.
August 1, 2017
thanks for an awesome career!
September 30, 2017
Wow, I follow baseball fairly closely and was surprised by some of the details. I enjoyed this one immensely and even got choked up a time or two. Thanks, Papi (again!).
July 13, 2022
Love this book! It's great to get some baseball history from Papi's perspective.
June 25, 2017
Very disappointing book, more notable for the stuff he leaves out than for what he puts in. This is mostly a gripe session, with a surprising number of motherf---er bombs, considering his younger fanbase. If you want to read about what a motherf---er former Sox GM Theo Epstein was while they talked contracts, and about how much of a motherf---er Twins manager Tom Kelly was all the time, and about how much confidence he has in himself, which is necessary because everyone will disrespect you and you have to defend yourself and tell them who you really are, then this book is for you. He even takes a few stabs at Terry Francona, who he never respected again after Tito pinch-hit for him in Toronto three or four years ago. Yet wasn't he hitting about .220 at the time?
But I'd been hoping instead for a bit more about 2004, about the postseason. Those were covered in a few short pages. Or about 2007, and Curt Schilling's bloody sock, or something about J.D. Drew or Josh Beckett or, hell, anything at all about any of the more important games that year? Maybe something about Youkilis, who nobody remembers anymore. How about how Colorado finished the season 22-1 and then got swept in the World Series? Nope. Maybe 2013? How about some stories about Jonny Gomes, or Napoli, or anyone else? What about that ALCS against the Tigers, when Ortiz hit the season's most important homerun, before Napoli hit his against Verlander in that 1-0 game? How about how the Sox hit maybe the Mendoza line combined for the series, yet won it in 6 games? How about anything at all about Uehara? Maybe the World Series, which had a game that ended with a runner picked off third and was followed by a game that ended with a runner picked off first. Nope. Maybe a paragraph apiece, and nothing at all about any of the specific ALCS or World Series games. Not even anything about his World Series game-winning hits, except that he hit them, and who he hit them off. No commentary; no in-depth analysis, nothing. He proves he had a helluva memory for who threw what to him months ago, which he'd then look for months later, but that's it.
You get a really short chapter about what a butthole Bobby Valentine was, which I already knew, and I detested him then and now and for that whole year. Valentine was a baseball version of Trump, and it's no surprise to me at all that they're actually friends--if either guy can be said to have a friend, as opposed to a mutual, leech-like attraction. But there's nothing new here at all. The few things that may be news to some, like how his marriage almost fell apart, is never given specifics. I'm not expecting The Inquirer here, but give me something. Didn't get it.
I'm telling you, this book is at least 75% about how he was disrespected by contracts and PED accusations. He never mentions HGH, of course, and he never gave honest accolades to people he trashed, like Francona and Epstein. It all comes across as very bitter grapes from someone you might think doesn't have much to be bitter about. He has a few decent points that non-Sox fans may not know, like how the Sox underpays its stars (Pedroia notoriously got a home-discount contract that this book never mentions; Pedroia is more underpaid now than Ortiz ever was, dollar for dollar) and yet overpays its free agent signings--like Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez. And Carl Crawford. And Julio Lugo. And Edgar Renteria. And Rusney Castillo. You knew this already as a fan, but the sheer number of examples is staggering. Yet even this is harped on again and again, its repetition taking up space you wanted reserved for funny or interesting anecdotes about some players. Hell, how about Orsillo, or Remy, or Castig? How about how he was able to have the single-best last season of any hitter in history? How about any stories at all about fans he's spoken to over the years, especially in 2013?
Nope. You get a chapter about his charity, but nothing about other players' charities. Very disappointing. Ortiz was one of my favorite players, and still is, but as a baseball memoirist, he swings and misses. This book is truly a money-making grab off his retirement. Even non-Sox fans won't learn anything new here, which is a mystery because it's clearly written for a common Sox fan. And believe me, I'm no baseball prude, but the loud volume of motherf---ers and other punches and jibes is shocking, considering he has to know that kids and pre-teens will want to read this. But, Dads out there, beware: They probably shouldn't. Also shocking because it's otherwise such a light read, you'd think it was meant for a light (ie--young and/or new) fan. The diatribes and whining don't make it any less light, so it's essentially a fluff piece with a lot of whining, swears and overall negativity.
Shockingly disappointing.
But I'd been hoping instead for a bit more about 2004, about the postseason. Those were covered in a few short pages. Or about 2007, and Curt Schilling's bloody sock, or something about J.D. Drew or Josh Beckett or, hell, anything at all about any of the more important games that year? Maybe something about Youkilis, who nobody remembers anymore. How about how Colorado finished the season 22-1 and then got swept in the World Series? Nope. Maybe 2013? How about some stories about Jonny Gomes, or Napoli, or anyone else? What about that ALCS against the Tigers, when Ortiz hit the season's most important homerun, before Napoli hit his against Verlander in that 1-0 game? How about how the Sox hit maybe the Mendoza line combined for the series, yet won it in 6 games? How about anything at all about Uehara? Maybe the World Series, which had a game that ended with a runner picked off third and was followed by a game that ended with a runner picked off first. Nope. Maybe a paragraph apiece, and nothing at all about any of the specific ALCS or World Series games. Not even anything about his World Series game-winning hits, except that he hit them, and who he hit them off. No commentary; no in-depth analysis, nothing. He proves he had a helluva memory for who threw what to him months ago, which he'd then look for months later, but that's it.
You get a really short chapter about what a butthole Bobby Valentine was, which I already knew, and I detested him then and now and for that whole year. Valentine was a baseball version of Trump, and it's no surprise to me at all that they're actually friends--if either guy can be said to have a friend, as opposed to a mutual, leech-like attraction. But there's nothing new here at all. The few things that may be news to some, like how his marriage almost fell apart, is never given specifics. I'm not expecting The Inquirer here, but give me something. Didn't get it.
I'm telling you, this book is at least 75% about how he was disrespected by contracts and PED accusations. He never mentions HGH, of course, and he never gave honest accolades to people he trashed, like Francona and Epstein. It all comes across as very bitter grapes from someone you might think doesn't have much to be bitter about. He has a few decent points that non-Sox fans may not know, like how the Sox underpays its stars (Pedroia notoriously got a home-discount contract that this book never mentions; Pedroia is more underpaid now than Ortiz ever was, dollar for dollar) and yet overpays its free agent signings--like Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez. And Carl Crawford. And Julio Lugo. And Edgar Renteria. And Rusney Castillo. You knew this already as a fan, but the sheer number of examples is staggering. Yet even this is harped on again and again, its repetition taking up space you wanted reserved for funny or interesting anecdotes about some players. Hell, how about Orsillo, or Remy, or Castig? How about how he was able to have the single-best last season of any hitter in history? How about any stories at all about fans he's spoken to over the years, especially in 2013?
Nope. You get a chapter about his charity, but nothing about other players' charities. Very disappointing. Ortiz was one of my favorite players, and still is, but as a baseball memoirist, he swings and misses. This book is truly a money-making grab off his retirement. Even non-Sox fans won't learn anything new here, which is a mystery because it's clearly written for a common Sox fan. And believe me, I'm no baseball prude, but the loud volume of motherf---ers and other punches and jibes is shocking, considering he has to know that kids and pre-teens will want to read this. But, Dads out there, beware: They probably shouldn't. Also shocking because it's otherwise such a light read, you'd think it was meant for a light (ie--young and/or new) fan. The diatribes and whining don't make it any less light, so it's essentially a fluff piece with a lot of whining, swears and overall negativity.
Shockingly disappointing.
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May 21, 2024The book Papi: My Story is an autobiography written by David Ortiz and Michael Holley. David Ortiz is an American baseball player who mainly played for the Boston Red Sox. He is best known for being a designated hitter and hitting home runs. David Ortiz was born on November 18, 1975, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He was a 10-time all-star, 7-time silver slugger, 3-time World Series champion, and World Series MVP, and had 541 career home runs, 17th all time. Michael Holley was born on February 26, 1970, in Akron, Ohio. Michael Holley is an American television and radio sports commentator, sports reporter, and author. He has six books that are New York Times best sellers, one of which is Papi: My Story, all about Boston sports. The book was published on April 17, 2007, and has 237 pages. The book is about David Ortiz's life, from moving to America, overcoming managers not giving him a chance, to being a great baseball player and becoming a Hall of Famer.
David Ortiz signed with the Mariners in 1992 and was one of the best hitters on the team. In 1996, he was traded to the Twins for a third baseman, Dave Hollins. David Ortiz made his MLB debut in 1997 but didn't get much playing time because he didn't get along with the manager. While with the twins, he was putting up great hitting stats even though he wasn't playing much. In 2002, the Twins released him to save money, and he signed a 1-year deal with the Red Sox worth $1.25 million. Ortiz played 128 games with 31 home runs, 101 RBIs, and a batting average of 0.288. He liked playing for the Red Sox but struggled with the management, as they didn't want to pay him that much. What made this worse for him is that the Red Sox were willing to spend lots of money on free agents who have never played in Boston and never felt the pressure from a city like Boston. Ortiz did stay with the Red Sox for the rest of his career, earning $10–$16 million a year. In 2004, the Red Sox won the World Series, and they also won it in 2007 and 2013. David Ortiz had many problems with the media, and he confronted them about it. He was accused of testing positive for performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) in 2003, along with 103 other players; he denied that claim, though. Commissioner Rob Manfred later stated that being on the list of 104 players in 2003 wasn't proof of a positive PED test. In 2016, David Ortiz retired, and in his last season, every team was giving him gifts, from peanut butter to cards thanking him for retiring.
The book Papi: My Story is about Ortiz’s life and how he overcomes challenges to be successful. The book showed how successful David Ortiz was by also showing what he had to overcome. Some of the challenges were a manager who didn't like him playing or one who pinch-hit him in 2010 while the game was on the line. The book then talks about how he was able to hit home runs when it mattered the most and the mental side of the game. Like when David Ortiz struck out on a changeup, then he would look for that pitch because he knew he was going to get it and hit it well. The author used profanity in the book to help illustrate how David Ortiz was feeling at a certain moment. After the Boston Marathon bombing, David Ortiz gave a speech before the game over what happened and, towards the end, said, “This is our fucking city. And nobody is going to dictate our freedom. Stay Strong” (Holley 191). The author also kept profanity in the book when Ortiz was frustrated about a call by the ump or his manager..
The book Papi: My Story was a great book for all baseball fans. The book was easy to read and understandable, even if you don't know a lot about baseball. My favorite part of the book was when the Red Sox were down 3-0 in a series against their biggest rival, the Yankees, in the ALCS. The Red Sox had the mentality of not letting the Yankees celebrate going to the World Series at their own stadium. However, what the Red Sox never saw coming was that they would not only win that series but then win the World Series. I would recommend this book to any baseball fan because it does a great job of telling the story of David Ortiz’s life and about how he always tried to get better and win the World Series.
David Ortiz signed with the Mariners in 1992 and was one of the best hitters on the team. In 1996, he was traded to the Twins for a third baseman, Dave Hollins. David Ortiz made his MLB debut in 1997 but didn't get much playing time because he didn't get along with the manager. While with the twins, he was putting up great hitting stats even though he wasn't playing much. In 2002, the Twins released him to save money, and he signed a 1-year deal with the Red Sox worth $1.25 million. Ortiz played 128 games with 31 home runs, 101 RBIs, and a batting average of 0.288. He liked playing for the Red Sox but struggled with the management, as they didn't want to pay him that much. What made this worse for him is that the Red Sox were willing to spend lots of money on free agents who have never played in Boston and never felt the pressure from a city like Boston. Ortiz did stay with the Red Sox for the rest of his career, earning $10–$16 million a year. In 2004, the Red Sox won the World Series, and they also won it in 2007 and 2013. David Ortiz had many problems with the media, and he confronted them about it. He was accused of testing positive for performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) in 2003, along with 103 other players; he denied that claim, though. Commissioner Rob Manfred later stated that being on the list of 104 players in 2003 wasn't proof of a positive PED test. In 2016, David Ortiz retired, and in his last season, every team was giving him gifts, from peanut butter to cards thanking him for retiring.
The book Papi: My Story is about Ortiz’s life and how he overcomes challenges to be successful. The book showed how successful David Ortiz was by also showing what he had to overcome. Some of the challenges were a manager who didn't like him playing or one who pinch-hit him in 2010 while the game was on the line. The book then talks about how he was able to hit home runs when it mattered the most and the mental side of the game. Like when David Ortiz struck out on a changeup, then he would look for that pitch because he knew he was going to get it and hit it well. The author used profanity in the book to help illustrate how David Ortiz was feeling at a certain moment. After the Boston Marathon bombing, David Ortiz gave a speech before the game over what happened and, towards the end, said, “This is our fucking city. And nobody is going to dictate our freedom. Stay Strong” (Holley 191). The author also kept profanity in the book when Ortiz was frustrated about a call by the ump or his manager..
The book Papi: My Story was a great book for all baseball fans. The book was easy to read and understandable, even if you don't know a lot about baseball. My favorite part of the book was when the Red Sox were down 3-0 in a series against their biggest rival, the Yankees, in the ALCS. The Red Sox had the mentality of not letting the Yankees celebrate going to the World Series at their own stadium. However, what the Red Sox never saw coming was that they would not only win that series but then win the World Series. I would recommend this book to any baseball fan because it does a great job of telling the story of David Ortiz’s life and about how he always tried to get better and win the World Series.
October 9, 2023
Not a bad autobiography about Big Papi’s career. I don’t feel like there were crazy in depth stories that offered a ton of new information and insight, but it was an easy read and had some fun moments.
October 20, 2017
SPOILER ALERT
Papi: My Story is an autobiography written by David Ortiz and Michael Holley. It gives details about David Ortiz’s life. He overcame struggles and had a love for baseball and Boston.
David Ortiz grew up in the Dominicans in a very rough neighborhood. His parents divorced and he moved in with his uncle. They were still very involved in his life and worked hard to send him to a private school. He always played basketball. His dad noticed he had great hand eye coordination and encouraged him to try baseball. He didn’t start playing baseball until he was 15 years old. About five years later he was drafted to a Twins minor league team. He met and married his wife and had two children. Two years later he was traded to the Boston Red Socks. He was supposed to be their starting first baseman. Before the season began he injured his leg. He had to go to physical therapy but it didn’t take him long to recover. Boston had picked up another first baseman that turned out to be better that David Ortiz. The Boston Red Socks wanted to keep David because of his bat. He played as a designated hitter for the team. They went to the American League Championship and lost. He was so successful with his hitting that season the media accused him of taking steroids. He was on a medication to cause him to test positive, but it was later proven that he was innocent. He was determined to get back into the playoffs. During the offseason he worked to to improve. They went on to win the World Series the next season. David Ortiz loved Boston and wanted to inspire people during his career. He started a foundation to help children with cancer and worked to pull the the city together after the Boston Marathon bombing. In all of his time with the Red Socks he won three World Series and played on the American League All Star team five times. He played major league baseball for 20 years. He retired at the age of forty to enjoy life with his family.
I liked reading about David Ortiz’s life and what he did. I really liked reading about him winning 3 World Series and making it to the American League All Star team 5 times, but my favorite part of the book was reading about him starting a foundation for a children’s hospital. He went to a hospital to visit sick children and saw a little boy the same age of his son. This really got to him and made him want to do something to help. This made me think of the commercials for Saint Jude's Children Hospital. I could see how going to that hospital would make him want to do something to help.
I liked that this book was not just about David Ortiz’s baseball career. It also told about the kind of person he is and wants to be. He talked a lot about his teammates and how they inspired him. I rate this book with 4 stars.
Papi: My Story is an autobiography written by David Ortiz and Michael Holley. It gives details about David Ortiz’s life. He overcame struggles and had a love for baseball and Boston.
David Ortiz grew up in the Dominicans in a very rough neighborhood. His parents divorced and he moved in with his uncle. They were still very involved in his life and worked hard to send him to a private school. He always played basketball. His dad noticed he had great hand eye coordination and encouraged him to try baseball. He didn’t start playing baseball until he was 15 years old. About five years later he was drafted to a Twins minor league team. He met and married his wife and had two children. Two years later he was traded to the Boston Red Socks. He was supposed to be their starting first baseman. Before the season began he injured his leg. He had to go to physical therapy but it didn’t take him long to recover. Boston had picked up another first baseman that turned out to be better that David Ortiz. The Boston Red Socks wanted to keep David because of his bat. He played as a designated hitter for the team. They went to the American League Championship and lost. He was so successful with his hitting that season the media accused him of taking steroids. He was on a medication to cause him to test positive, but it was later proven that he was innocent. He was determined to get back into the playoffs. During the offseason he worked to to improve. They went on to win the World Series the next season. David Ortiz loved Boston and wanted to inspire people during his career. He started a foundation to help children with cancer and worked to pull the the city together after the Boston Marathon bombing. In all of his time with the Red Socks he won three World Series and played on the American League All Star team five times. He played major league baseball for 20 years. He retired at the age of forty to enjoy life with his family.
I liked reading about David Ortiz’s life and what he did. I really liked reading about him winning 3 World Series and making it to the American League All Star team 5 times, but my favorite part of the book was reading about him starting a foundation for a children’s hospital. He went to a hospital to visit sick children and saw a little boy the same age of his son. This really got to him and made him want to do something to help. This made me think of the commercials for Saint Jude's Children Hospital. I could see how going to that hospital would make him want to do something to help.
I liked that this book was not just about David Ortiz’s baseball career. It also told about the kind of person he is and wants to be. He talked a lot about his teammates and how they inspired him. I rate this book with 4 stars.
October 3, 2017
David Ortiz will forever be the Ted Williams for my generation when it comes to Red Sox players. That is a considerable tall order considering the amount of talent that came through the Boston clubhouse from 2003 to 2016 (much of it that underplayed but got overpayed) and how much these teams accomplished. Pedro Martinez and Manny Ramirez alone made their case to belong on the Red Sox Mount Rushmore, but it is Ortiz I think that will ultimately be remembered most.
Papi: My Story leaves me with considerably mixed feelings.
David Ortiz tells us snippets of his childhood, how the Twins underutilized him, some of his biggest moments, some of his lowest, some of his favorite moments behind the scenes, and some of the ugliest that played out for the world to see.
I am slightly disappointed that Ortiz didn't discuss much further than the championship years or playing with particular players with sharing good memories. Instead, individuals like Bobby Valentine (let us never speak of that year) get a number of pages considering Ortiz's intense dislike of the man. Even Tito doesn't escape the book unscathed.
Ortiz makes some great points in these pages. His strongest arguably is the Sox tendency to overpay for proven talent in free agency that drops off considerably after being signed, paying outrageous amounts for unproven talent, but simultaneously not rewarding loyal home talent for producing night after night. It's a real bitter taste in an otherwise fantastic decade and change for the Sox.
Perhaps I would have enjoyed this book more if I walked in with no expectations and perhaps you will be able to get out of it more than me. For those unaware of some of the bigger storylines behind the scenes in Ortiz's time on the clubhouse, this is certainly worthwhile.
Papi: My Story leaves me with considerably mixed feelings.
David Ortiz tells us snippets of his childhood, how the Twins underutilized him, some of his biggest moments, some of his lowest, some of his favorite moments behind the scenes, and some of the ugliest that played out for the world to see.
I am slightly disappointed that Ortiz didn't discuss much further than the championship years or playing with particular players with sharing good memories. Instead, individuals like Bobby Valentine (let us never speak of that year) get a number of pages considering Ortiz's intense dislike of the man. Even Tito doesn't escape the book unscathed.
Ortiz makes some great points in these pages. His strongest arguably is the Sox tendency to overpay for proven talent in free agency that drops off considerably after being signed, paying outrageous amounts for unproven talent, but simultaneously not rewarding loyal home talent for producing night after night. It's a real bitter taste in an otherwise fantastic decade and change for the Sox.
Perhaps I would have enjoyed this book more if I walked in with no expectations and perhaps you will be able to get out of it more than me. For those unaware of some of the bigger storylines behind the scenes in Ortiz's time on the clubhouse, this is certainly worthwhile.
February 14, 2020
A fascinating, thoughtful biography of the Boston Red Sox slugger, David Ortiz. Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, Ortiz came from a working-class tight knit family. He showed athletic potential in his youth and grew up to be 6-4 and well over 200 pounds. Stardome, however, was not immediate; he labored in the minor leagues five years before debuting with the Minnesota Twins in 1997. His talent was obvious, but he and his manager didn't hit it off. The manager wanted Ortiz to be a spray, singles hitter, instead of a power hitter, which he was naturally. He never felt comfortable with the Twins, but caught on with the Red Sox in 2002. He acquired the nickname Big Papi because he went around the locker room calling everybody Papi. In Beantown he became a great player, a masterful clutch hitter, and helped the team win three World Series.
Ortiz had his detractors, however--he was accused of taking performance enhancing drugs, something he denied vehemently. And it was never established that he actually took PEDs. Most of the time the Boston public perceived him as a hero, particularly in 2013, after a terrorist bombing during the Marathon, devastated the city. Papi gave a rousing speech that even moved politicians and celebrities.
The journalist Michael Holley helped in the writing of this book, which even the non-baseball fan may find interesting.
Ortiz had his detractors, however--he was accused of taking performance enhancing drugs, something he denied vehemently. And it was never established that he actually took PEDs. Most of the time the Boston public perceived him as a hero, particularly in 2013, after a terrorist bombing during the Marathon, devastated the city. Papi gave a rousing speech that even moved politicians and celebrities.
The journalist Michael Holley helped in the writing of this book, which even the non-baseball fan may find interesting.
June 23, 2017
As soon as I heard about the release date for this book, I pre-ordered it. Papi had just retired and I was in denial/withdrawal. As a fan, I wanted just a little bit more. I held off on reading the book until the date for his jersey number retirement ceremony was near. That time has finally come.
He made me laugh. He made me teary. He made me remember some of the best (and some of the worst) memories as a devout Red Sox fan; and I learned some things.
It's a book about his career, so sure, there are stats and numbers and whatnot, but it wasn't overwhelming. He talked about the PEOPLE he surrounded himself with. There were many names I remembered fondly, others not so much. Overall, the book reminded me of how much he loves the game of baseball. There will never be another David Ortiz and I am incredibly grateful that I was able to witness his career, and be reminded of many memorable moments through his book.
He made me laugh. He made me teary. He made me remember some of the best (and some of the worst) memories as a devout Red Sox fan; and I learned some things.
It's a book about his career, so sure, there are stats and numbers and whatnot, but it wasn't overwhelming. He talked about the PEOPLE he surrounded himself with. There were many names I remembered fondly, others not so much. Overall, the book reminded me of how much he loves the game of baseball. There will never be another David Ortiz and I am incredibly grateful that I was able to witness his career, and be reminded of many memorable moments through his book.
December 31, 2022
David Ortiz’s autobiography “Papi:My Story” chronicles Ortiz’s hall of fame baseball career, his development as a baseball player and some of his interactions with individuals outside and inside of baseball. Michael Holley is listed as an author of the book as well.
A slugger who hit 541 home runs and had 2,472 hits, Ortiz helped the Boston Red Sox win three World Series championships, as he cemented his place in baseball history and Red Sox lore. Among the players of his generation, Ortiz was one of the most powerful hitters and has one of the more magnetic personalities.
He discusses his decision to sign a contract out of high school with the Seattle Mariners and his subsequent trade to the Minnesota Twins and his time with the Red Sox. He worked hard as a member of the Mariners’ and Twins’ organization, but he realized his full potential with the Red Sox, the team that he felt most at home with.
Ortiz discusses his faith, his charity work and his desire to help others. Additionally, he mentions with great pride, his admiration for New York Yankee relief pitcher and fellow hall of famer, Mariano Rivera. It is refreshing to read his words about a player from a rival team, as it reinforced the perception of Ortiz as a well rounded individual who understands that there are more important things than baseball or professional sports.
The different front office changes, hiring and firings of managers and the trading of teammates is also mentioned by Ortiz, who pointed out the business side of baseball, which may be underestimated by the average fan or casual observer of America’s pastime .
The book features Ortiz’s references to his individual accomplishments as a member of the Red Sox, his concern for the health and well being of his teammates and the ups and downs of the baseball season, as well as the challenge for a team to sustain momentum from one season to the next. Ortiz does a good job of highlighting the challenges of baseball as well as the friendships between players who have an authentic respect and admiration for one another.
Also, Ortiz talked about how dedicated teammate Dustin Pedroia was to the game of baseball as well as how talented teammate JD Drew was. Ortiz expressed a true appreciation of his teammates and how talented and dedicated they were.
Still, Ortiz continually expressed throughout the book how his friendships with other players, coaches and managers is more important to him than the memories of the games. Ortiz returns to this theme at different times of the book, which reinforces the image of Ortiz has a well rounded and likable person.
Ortiz’s description of the day that he became a United States’ citizen is one of the most interesting parts of the book. Also, it was interesting to read about the 2013 season, which resulted in the Red Sox’ third World Series championship of Ortiz’s career. The 2013 season represented a major improvement from the previous two seasons where the Red Sox struggled. Ortiz felt proud that the Red Sox were able to win back the respect of the fans after two difficult seasons.
I liked reading this book.
A slugger who hit 541 home runs and had 2,472 hits, Ortiz helped the Boston Red Sox win three World Series championships, as he cemented his place in baseball history and Red Sox lore. Among the players of his generation, Ortiz was one of the most powerful hitters and has one of the more magnetic personalities.
He discusses his decision to sign a contract out of high school with the Seattle Mariners and his subsequent trade to the Minnesota Twins and his time with the Red Sox. He worked hard as a member of the Mariners’ and Twins’ organization, but he realized his full potential with the Red Sox, the team that he felt most at home with.
Ortiz discusses his faith, his charity work and his desire to help others. Additionally, he mentions with great pride, his admiration for New York Yankee relief pitcher and fellow hall of famer, Mariano Rivera. It is refreshing to read his words about a player from a rival team, as it reinforced the perception of Ortiz as a well rounded individual who understands that there are more important things than baseball or professional sports.
The different front office changes, hiring and firings of managers and the trading of teammates is also mentioned by Ortiz, who pointed out the business side of baseball, which may be underestimated by the average fan or casual observer of America’s pastime .
The book features Ortiz’s references to his individual accomplishments as a member of the Red Sox, his concern for the health and well being of his teammates and the ups and downs of the baseball season, as well as the challenge for a team to sustain momentum from one season to the next. Ortiz does a good job of highlighting the challenges of baseball as well as the friendships between players who have an authentic respect and admiration for one another.
Also, Ortiz talked about how dedicated teammate Dustin Pedroia was to the game of baseball as well as how talented teammate JD Drew was. Ortiz expressed a true appreciation of his teammates and how talented and dedicated they were.
Still, Ortiz continually expressed throughout the book how his friendships with other players, coaches and managers is more important to him than the memories of the games. Ortiz returns to this theme at different times of the book, which reinforces the image of Ortiz has a well rounded and likable person.
Ortiz’s description of the day that he became a United States’ citizen is one of the most interesting parts of the book. Also, it was interesting to read about the 2013 season, which resulted in the Red Sox’ third World Series championship of Ortiz’s career. The 2013 season represented a major improvement from the previous two seasons where the Red Sox struggled. Ortiz felt proud that the Red Sox were able to win back the respect of the fans after two difficult seasons.
I liked reading this book.
October 21, 2023
David Ortiz’s Autobiography “Papi” is a story about his life and Baseball career. It takes readers on a journey from his humble childhood in the Dominican Republic to being a beloved Icon in Boston and the World of Baseball. The book provides a compelling narrative of his career, highlighting difficult moments that shaped his career. From his days as a young kid playing baseball in the Dominican Republic to his time with the Red Sox, he reflects on the challenges he faced throughout his life.
One of the standout features of the book is its raw emotion. He emerges readers with his struggles that made him a great baseball player in Boston. He doesn’t shy away from sharing the highs and lows of his life on and off the field. “Papi” also provides readers with an insider perspective on the world of baseball. He takes us behind the scenes and explains everything that happens before and after games. He also talks about his teammates and managers. This glimpse into the inner workings of baseball adds depth to the book.
Overall, “Papi” is a good book that will appeal to Sports fans like myself and casual readers. I recommend this book to anyone who likes baseball. The book is kinda long in my opinion, but it's worth reading it. Mr. Wilgenbush read it and he loved everything about it.
One of the standout features of the book is its raw emotion. He emerges readers with his struggles that made him a great baseball player in Boston. He doesn’t shy away from sharing the highs and lows of his life on and off the field. “Papi” also provides readers with an insider perspective on the world of baseball. He takes us behind the scenes and explains everything that happens before and after games. He also talks about his teammates and managers. This glimpse into the inner workings of baseball adds depth to the book.
Overall, “Papi” is a good book that will appeal to Sports fans like myself and casual readers. I recommend this book to anyone who likes baseball. The book is kinda long in my opinion, but it's worth reading it. Mr. Wilgenbush read it and he loved everything about it.
August 21, 2017
2 and 1/2 stars out of 5 for Papi's book. I certainly enjoyed watching many of Ortiz's baseball exploits over the years, especially those big clutch hits against the Evil Empire. He was an all-around great hitter, too, not just a home run guy, which is what most people remember him as.
But I can't give more than an average rating to this book, since there is way too much of his griping about contracts through much of the story. And I often agreed with what he was saying about the contracts, it's just that there is way too much of it here. Most fans would rather hear less about that and more about big moments on the diamond, whether his own or his teammates'. And there is a good share of big moments covered, but there could have been more details, perhaps.
I did find his opinions on various other people involved in the game quite interesting, especially his comments on Bobby Valentine. I had always heard Valentine was a POS, but never got as many details about it as I did here.
And the book could have benefited from more of David's humor, which he is well-known for. But overall, I think most Red Sox fans would enjoy the book (as long as they are not easily offended by f and mf-bombs!).
But I can't give more than an average rating to this book, since there is way too much of his griping about contracts through much of the story. And I often agreed with what he was saying about the contracts, it's just that there is way too much of it here. Most fans would rather hear less about that and more about big moments on the diamond, whether his own or his teammates'. And there is a good share of big moments covered, but there could have been more details, perhaps.
I did find his opinions on various other people involved in the game quite interesting, especially his comments on Bobby Valentine. I had always heard Valentine was a POS, but never got as many details about it as I did here.
And the book could have benefited from more of David's humor, which he is well-known for. But overall, I think most Red Sox fans would enjoy the book (as long as they are not easily offended by f and mf-bombs!).
January 9, 2018
While I'm not a big Boston Red Sox fan, Big Papi,David Ortiz is one of my favorite baseball players. It was just hard not to like him. The book talked briefly about his childhood in the Dominican Republic, his homesickness when he was in the minor leagues in the US. He was drafted by the Seattle Mariners. Made his major league debut with the Minnesota Twins (too bad the Twins never appreciated him). He signed as a free agent with the Red Sox in 2002 and stayed with Boston until he retired in 2016. It also covers the accusal by newspaper reporter that he had taken performance enhancement drugs, something that he always denied. Those same reporters said his career was over. Not hardly! Papi is a 10 time All-Star, 7 time Silver Slugger, 3 time world series champion, world series MVP, and he hit 541 home runs ... the best DH ever. He had some very interesting comments to make about Tito Francona, Buck Showalter and Bobby Valentine. Even more comments about management, front office politics. You really do have to LOVE the game of baseball to be successful at the game and all the "behind the scene" antics. A big man with a lot of love to give to baseball, his parents, wife, children and being an American citizen.
August 18, 2017
From impoverished and violent beginnings in the Dominican Republic, "Big Papi" David Ortiz rose to the pinnacle of Major League Baseball. He credits many for their help along the way: his loving parents, friends and fellow baseball players, coaches, managers, and owners who provided the support and the guidance he needed. With successes came failures, but Ortiz has always seemed to take it all in stride and to learn from his mistakes.
As a lifelong Red Sox fan, there were few surprises in this book for me, but I enjoyed reading it nevertheless. My favorite part of Papi: My Story was the origin story of the nickname "Big Papi", as it was one I had not heard before. It was great to reminisce with one of my favorite players of the game, especially through the two sections of photographs that provided a perfect accompaniment to the book.
Whether you are a Red Sox fan or just have respect for the game of baseball, there is no denying that David Ortiz will go down in history as one of its best players. I would recommend Papi: My Story to readers who enjoy sports biographies.
As a lifelong Red Sox fan, there were few surprises in this book for me, but I enjoyed reading it nevertheless. My favorite part of Papi: My Story was the origin story of the nickname "Big Papi", as it was one I had not heard before. It was great to reminisce with one of my favorite players of the game, especially through the two sections of photographs that provided a perfect accompaniment to the book.
Whether you are a Red Sox fan or just have respect for the game of baseball, there is no denying that David Ortiz will go down in history as one of its best players. I would recommend Papi: My Story to readers who enjoy sports biographies.
July 24, 2017
Some new insight on topics that had not been previously covered in his first book " Big Papi: My Story of Big Dreams and Big Hits " . While i am a huge fan of Mr. Ortiz, i found the book be overall a bit harsher in tone then i expected. It's clear that David has the right to his feelings and the fact that he chose to share them in a public manner as such can be commended -- I felt that it was an unexpected turn from a brilliant wrap to his Major League career.
I agree with a number of things he says. As a fan from Minnesota who followed Ortiz's career as a Twin and then followed him to Boston upon his late release -- I'm not surprised at the anger and disappointment shared as it relates to Tom Kelly and the Minnesota Twins organization.
Either way -- I'll always consider David Ortiz to be one of my all time favorite players and will celebrate his legacy as he moves into retirement. Hopefully -- The Hall of Fame will be calling in the near future.
I agree with a number of things he says. As a fan from Minnesota who followed Ortiz's career as a Twin and then followed him to Boston upon his late release -- I'm not surprised at the anger and disappointment shared as it relates to Tom Kelly and the Minnesota Twins organization.
Either way -- I'll always consider David Ortiz to be one of my all time favorite players and will celebrate his legacy as he moves into retirement. Hopefully -- The Hall of Fame will be calling in the near future.
July 28, 2017
I went into this book with high expectations but found them to be unfulfilled. I was hoping for a new insight into one of the most exciting periods in Boston Red Sox history. Instead we're given the type of thin stories that haven't already been told. There are no really new or even interesting stories to be told. Unlike Pedro's story, Ortiz doesn't offer us that insiders view of the team and clubhouse. Pedro shared some gossip without breaking the clubhouse rule of Ometra. Papi gives us a quick fast and done view of his life. He also is carrying a lot of bitterness which he doesn't really go into. I never knew about his beef with Tito but one would think Ortiz can hold a grudge with the best of them. None of the smiling, funny Papi is seen here. Lastly, why is Michael Holly's name even associated with this? It doesn't seem he had anything really to do with it because he's a much better writer then what''s put out here.
Not one of the best Red Sox books written.
Not one of the best Red Sox books written.
April 1, 2019
Authored by arguably the greatest designated (and maybe even clutch) hitter in the history of professional baseball, David Ortiz presents his colorful life and career in "Papi: My Story" immediately following his retirement in 2016. "Big Papi" seems to be quite open and candid with several pieces of his story, especially his relationship with fellow Dominican stars Pedro Martinez and Manny Ramirez, as well as with each of his big league managers. However, at other times this reader wished that Ortiz had shared more, including the lack of commentary on each of the three World Series championships he won with Boston. Still, I came away with a deeper understanding of what made Ortiz tick and how much more great of a career he would have had if he had been encouraged to fully utilize his power and had batted regularly for the first seven years of his career. Thanks for sharing your story, Papi!
July 26, 2017
Great baseball story about the bumps along the road, the tragedies, and ultimate triumph of Big Papi, the clutch Sox hitter from "the Dominican" as he'd put it. He won 3 World Series with the Red Sox and helped more than any other player dispel the Ruthian Curse forever. A lot of insider information about some of th biggest games during his storied 14-year Sox career.
Ortiz gives the reader a lot of details about what a batter does to improve himself (the studying, the banter among hitters), and takes the opportunity to defend himself against PED charges and skewer the Red Sox's tendency to shower free agents with riches but make proven veterans beg for better contracts.
The ghostwriter did a good job capturing Big Papi's likable, salty profanity, displayed famously when he announced in a speech after the Marathon bombing, "It's our fucking city!"
Ortiz gives the reader a lot of details about what a batter does to improve himself (the studying, the banter among hitters), and takes the opportunity to defend himself against PED charges and skewer the Red Sox's tendency to shower free agents with riches but make proven veterans beg for better contracts.
The ghostwriter did a good job capturing Big Papi's likable, salty profanity, displayed famously when he announced in a speech after the Marathon bombing, "It's our fucking city!"
July 20, 2017
I really enjoyed this book - but, fair warning to parents, he does toss the f-bomb a lot.
As I sit in the stands at a PawSox game watching Ruesney Castillo, I agree with Big Papi that the Red Sox pay BIG bucks to players who we don't know can play in Boston - while offering insulting contracts to proven Boston stars (Papi, Jon Lester, ...). Now I understand better the little hissy fits David would have in contract years. He mentions this quite a bit.
I enjoyed reading about his managers over the years, and some of the players. A few Manny stories which always make me chuckle!
I am glad he fixed his marriage - but would have loved to hear HOW he won back his wife. I think it would be helpful to others in that situation.
If you are a David Ortiz or Red Sox fan this book will bring back many happy memories. I would recommend it (read it also if you think Dan Shaunesy is an idiot, as David has a couple of zingers on him)
As I sit in the stands at a PawSox game watching Ruesney Castillo, I agree with Big Papi that the Red Sox pay BIG bucks to players who we don't know can play in Boston - while offering insulting contracts to proven Boston stars (Papi, Jon Lester, ...). Now I understand better the little hissy fits David would have in contract years. He mentions this quite a bit.
I enjoyed reading about his managers over the years, and some of the players. A few Manny stories which always make me chuckle!
I am glad he fixed his marriage - but would have loved to hear HOW he won back his wife. I think it would be helpful to others in that situation.
If you are a David Ortiz or Red Sox fan this book will bring back many happy memories. I would recommend it (read it also if you think Dan Shaunesy is an idiot, as David has a couple of zingers on him)
January 29, 2018
Nonfiction/Twin Text Entry #3
The fiction text I chose to pair with "Papi: My Story" is "Fenway Fever" by John H. Ritter. I paired these texts together because David Ortiz tells his story about his time playing baseball for the Red Sox in which they play at Fenway Park. In "Fenway Fever," a boy is born with a heart defect, but has such a love for the Red Sox. He knows a wide variety of statistic. I think that reading David Ortiz's book would give a great background setting before reading Ritter's book.
The genre is Autobiography Nonfiction because David Ortiz wrote this story about his time playing baseball for the Red Sox. His nickname is 'Big Papi.' The target audience would be a higher level grade like 5th or 6th grade. It is in chapter book form and may content higher level content.
The fiction text I chose to pair with "Papi: My Story" is "Fenway Fever" by John H. Ritter. I paired these texts together because David Ortiz tells his story about his time playing baseball for the Red Sox in which they play at Fenway Park. In "Fenway Fever," a boy is born with a heart defect, but has such a love for the Red Sox. He knows a wide variety of statistic. I think that reading David Ortiz's book would give a great background setting before reading Ritter's book.
The genre is Autobiography Nonfiction because David Ortiz wrote this story about his time playing baseball for the Red Sox. His nickname is 'Big Papi.' The target audience would be a higher level grade like 5th or 6th grade. It is in chapter book form and may content higher level content.
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