Big Papi: My Story of Big Dreams and Big Hits

Big Papi: My Story of Big Dreams and Big Hits, by David Ortiz

Big Papi: My Story of Big Dreams and Big Hits by David Ortiz as told to Tony Massarotti is a great read for any baseball fan - regardless of team loyalty.  Ortiz relates his colorful baseball career, while giving great insight into the behind-the-scenes action of management.  Born in the Dominican Republic, where baseball is more popular than even the United States, David excelled at baseball under the supervision of his father, Enrique (Leo), who was himself a promising pitcher at one point.  Ortiz started in the minors and eventually played for the Seattle Mariners, Minnesota Twins and finally the Boston Red Sox.  While the Twins tried to teach him to settle for base hits, the Red Sox wanted him to swing away.   He helped the Sox win their first World Championship in 86 years through his great heroics.  Surprisingly, he expresses a great deal of admiration and respect for his arch rivals, the New York Yankees.  After all, he reasons, everyone is after the same thing - a World Championship. Players may end up on the same team over time with the most unlikely teammates, and teams play each other an average of 19 times a year so you do get to know a fair number of people.  This book represents a down-to-earth view of life on a major league team. Despite glaring typographical and grammatical errors, this is just the right book to take to the beach while on vacation.   Play ball!!
-Carl