Big Papi: My Story of Big Dreams and Big Hits

by Tony Massarotti, David Ortiz, Tony Massaroti

Book Overview

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...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312366337
• ISBN13: 9780312366339
• Release Date: April 2007
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press
• Length: 258 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.4" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

I love it, I s a great book . Very easy to read

I bought the book for my cousin, he and myself love it. Is very easy to read and funny

Interesting Insight into David Ortiz

Co-written with Tony Massarotti of the Boston Herald, "Big Papi" is the autobiography of David Ortiz, all-star slugger for the Boston Red Sox. Written as if Ortiz was talking directly to the reader, the book covers Ortiz's childhood in the Dominican Republic, his career in the minor leagues, his time with the Minnesota Twins, and of course his career with the Boston Red Sox. The book covers some of his achievements such as leading the all-star balloting, breaking Jimmie Foxx's home run record, and of course the 2004 playoffs - beating the Yankees and going on to win the World Series. While most of the book is in Ortiz's voice, there are a few chapters written by others that discuss the role Pedro Martinez had in bringing Ortiz to Boston; his friendship with Torii Hunter; and how Theo Epstein was able to bring Ortiz to play for Boston. "Big Papi" is an interesting look at a talented baseball player. Having the book read as if Ortiz is talking directly to the reader is a nice touch (although the constant use of the word "bro" got to me after a while). The book has many fascinating aspects starting with Ortiz's childhood in the Dominican Republic when he and his friends would use anything they could as baseballs (like the heads off their sisters' dolls). One of the most fascinating aspects of Ortiz's career is that Minnesota released him after they tried to trade him and no other team wanted him. Boston came off looking good by claiming him but it's interesting to read that even they had no idea how good he could be. Other interesting bits in the book include the fact that he likes to wear a bigger uniform because he likes it to be loose and how he trains in the off-season. To his credit Ortiz is honest about admitting his mistakes, including his five game suspension during the 2004 season for throwing bats from the dugout onto the field in protest over an umpire's call. Interestingly enough, while he says he doesn't hate the Yankees he writes far more about beating them in the 2004 playoffs than he does about winning the World Series (which barely gets a full page mention). Although he talks little about his family life for privacy reasons, the brief glimpses into his personal life are interesting. Readers will be moved as he talks about the death of his mother in a car accident. And a story of how he ended up with a line of children and parents at his house on Halloween looking for candy and pictures with him is a fascinating insight into the drawbacks of being famous. David Ortiz fans will love "Big Papi".

Awesome, Indeed.

Is baseball good? Truly a thought to siphen, nor weary and lasting is the prime thought. I'll concede Senor David Ortiz is great, but only if you stop waiving that violin in my face.

EXCELLENT!!

This is not one of those typical celebrity books that goes on for pages about how great the author is. This is an amazing story about a man who overcame everything to get to where he is. It's got heartbreak, humor, great baseball stories and insight into who Big Papi really is. Truly an excellent, excellent book.

Great Book About A Great Person

You cant help but love Big Papi. This book is just further proof of Papi's triumphs on and off the field. 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. Hes a great baseball player, but he's even a better human being.