What is Alex Rodriguez's and David Ortiz's Appleton connection?

It’s hard to imagine Alex Rodriguez and David Ortiz hanging out at the Fox River Mall near Appleton as fresh-faced youngsters.

But a few years before they were known as two of the best players in Major League Baseball, Rodriguez and Ortiz toiled in Wisconsin, and the duo briefly reminisced on their minor-league days in the Appleton area on Fox Sports’ pregame show before Game 4 of the World Series.

OK, Rodriguez and Ortiz didn’t explicitly mention hitting up Orange Julius or Sbarro at the Fox River Mall, but they did seem to have warm regards for their brief times in Wisconsin.

“Papi and I had a great opportunity − and privilege − to start our careers in Appleton, Wisconsin,” said Rodriguez, using Ortiz’s nickname of “Big Papi.”

Milwaukee Brewers fans line up to take a photo, pour out a beer and leave a beer can at Bob Uecker’s statue ahead of the World Series Game 4 watch party at American Family Field on Oct. 27, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

(Hannah Schroeder / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Milwaukee Brewers fans ride past American Family Field ahead of the World Series Game 4 watch party on Oct. 27, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

(Hannah Schroeder / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Milwaukee Brewers fans line up to enter the World Series Game 4 watch party at American Family Field on Oct. 27, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

(Hannah Schroeder / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Alex Rodriguez played for Appleton Foxes in 1994

Rodriguez was the No. 1 overall draft pick by the Seattle Mariners in 1993.

The next year, the phenom made his professional debut for the Appleton Foxes in the Class A Midwest League.

Rodriguez wasn’t long for the Fox Valley, earning a midseason promotion after batting .319 with 14 home runs and 55 RBI in 65 games with Appleton.

David Ortiz was known as David Arias with Wisconsin Timber Rattlers in 1996

Some things changed after Rodriguez left Wisconsin.

The Appleton Foxes became known as the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers in 1995 as the team left Goodland Field for Fox Cities Stadium in Grand Chute.

The Timber Rattlers were still a farm club for the Mariners, and the franchise signed a 17-year-old named David Arias in 1992.

He wasn’t known as “Big Papi” or even David Ortiz until he made the major leagues, first with the Minnesota Twins in 1997.

But in 1996, the young Arias hit 18 home runs for the Timber Rattlers. There’s a legendary story about the young slugger stealing the spotlight in an impromptu home-run derby with Rodriguez and Ken Griffey Jr. when the Mariners stopped by Fox Cities Stadium before playing the Brewers.

Ortiz met his former wife, Tiffany, a Kimberly native, during his brief time in Wisconsin and they later had a home in Wrightstown. They announced their divorce in 2021.

Rodriguez and Ortiz might have bothered Brewers fans with some of their World Series predictions, but there is clear affection for Wisconsin.

“It was one of the greatest summers of my career,” Rodriguez said before Game 4. “I got to tell you, the Wisconsin people, they’re incredible fans.

“They’re smart. They’re loyal. Passionate. And they’re great fans.”

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Milwaukee Brewers vs. Tampa Bay Rays highlights, World Series Game 4

Milwaukee Brewers designated hitter Christian Yelich (22) steals 2nd base during the first inning as Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Richie Palacios (1) lefts the ball get away allowing Yelich to advance to third during Game 4 of the World Series at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla. on Oct 27, 2026.

(Mark Hoffman / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)