Big Papi: My Story of Big Dreams and Big Hits

Full Product Description

EAN: 9780312383442
Author: David Ortiz
Format: Paperback
Year: 2008
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Pages: 258

Annotation
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. Publisher Description
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.