Originally signed by the Seattle Mariners in 1992, David “Big Papi” Ortiz was traded to the Minnesota Twins organization in 1996. In 1997, he played first base for the New Britain Rock Cats. In his first Double-A season, Ortiz hit for a .322 average with 14 home runs, 56 RBI and even stole 2 bases. He was eventually promoted to the majors with the Minnesota Twins and hit .327 during his big league debut. Ortiz returned to New Britain for 9 games in 2001 during a rehab assignment. He was released by the Twins and signed with the Red Sox in 2003. Ortiz helped the Red Sox win the World Series in 2004, their first in 86 years.
After playing in New Britain, David Ortiz had an illustrious, Hall of Fame caliber career:
- 3× World Series champion (2004, 2007, 2013)
- World Series MVP (2013)
- ALCS MVP (2004)
- 10× All-Star (2004–2008, 2010–2013, 2016)
- 7× Silver Slugger Award (2004–2007, 2011, 2013, 2016)
- 2× AL Hank Aaron Award (2005, 2016)
- Roberto Clemente Award (2011)
- AL home run leader (2006)
- 3× AL RBI leader (2005, 2006, 2016)
- 541 career home runs
- Boston Red Sox No. 34 retired