Speakers

2024 Keynote Speaker

David Ortiz

David Ortiz

'Big Papi'

David Ortiz

David, a kid from the Dominican Republic, made his Major-League debut with the Minnesota Twins in 1997. After six seasons with the Twins, he signed with the Red Sox in 2003. His arrival sparked immediate success, with him finishing top 5 in MVP voting and leading the Red Sox to the ALCS. He quickly became a fan favorite, earning the nickname 'Big Papi.' In the 2004 postseason, his heroics, including a walk-off home run and a game-winning single, helped the Red Sox overcome a 3-0 deficit against the Yankees, a feat unmatched in baseball history. That year, they won their first World Series in 86 years by sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals.

He went on to help bring Boston two more World Series Championships in 2007 and 2013.

Throughout his career, David was a feared hitter, earning numerous accolades, including 10 All-Star selections and membership in the '500 Home Run Club.' After announcing his retirement on his 40th birthday, he had a remarkable final season in 2016, batting .315 with 38 home runs and 127 RBIs. He was honored with the AL Hank Aaron Award for the second time. In 2017, his jersey number 34 was retired by the Red Sox, cementing his legacy. David was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2022, becoming the first career DH to be selected on the first ballot.

2024 Keynote Speaker

David Ortiz

David Ortiz

'Big Papi'

David Ortiz 

David, a kid from the Dominican Republic, made his Major-League debut with the Minnesota Twins in 1997. After six seasons with the Twins, he signed with the Red Sox in 2003. His arrival sparked immediate success, with him finishing top 5 in MVP voting and leading the Red Sox to the ALCS. He quickly became a fan favorite, earning the nickname 'Big Papi.' In the 2004 postseason, his heroics, including a walk-off home run and a game-winning single, helped the Red Sox overcome a 3-0 deficit against the Yankees, a feat unmatched in baseball history. That year, they won their first World Series in 86 years by sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals.

He went on to help bring Boston two more World Series Championships in 2007 and 2013.

Throughout his career, David was a feared hitter, earning numerous accolades, including 10 All-Star selections and membership in the '500 Home Run Club.' After announcing his retirement on his 40th birthday, he had a remarkable final season in 2016, batting .315 with 38 home runs and 127 RBIs. He was honored with the AL Hank Aaron Award for the second time. In 2017, his jersey number 34 was retired by the Red Sox, cementing his legacy. David was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2022, becoming the first career DH to be selected on the first ballot.

2024 Speakers

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