David Ortiz on Becoming Big Papi, Breaking the Curse & Boston’s Historic 2004 Run

David Ortiz — Big Papi — joins Brooke Goff for a conversation about the journey that turned him into one of the most iconic players in baseball history. Ortiz opens up about leaving the Dominican Republic as a young player, his difficult years with the Minnesota Twins, Pedro Martinez helping pave the way for his move to Boston, and finding the environment that allowed him to become Big Papi. He also looks back on playing for Terry Francona, the legendary 2004 Red Sox comeback, performing when the pressure was highest, his relationships with his teammates, the evolution of pitching, and why he knew it was finally time to retire. From nearly walking away from baseball to becoming the heartbeat of Boston, Big Papi tells the story in his own words. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices