David Ortiz tested positive for steroids in 2003

Boston Red Sox David Ortiz pulls off his batting glove after flying out against the Texas Rangers during the sixth inning of American League MLB baseball action in Arlington, Texas July 22, 2009. REUTERS/Jessica Rinaldi

David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez were among the approximately 100 Major League Baseball players who tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs in 2003 according to lawyers who were aware of the results, the New York Times reported on Thursday.

The information about Ramirez and Ortiz emerged through interviews with multiple lawyers and others connected to the pending litigation, the New York Times said.

In 2004, Ortiz and Ramirez led the Boston Red Sox to their first World Series championship in 86 years.
The results from the 2003 tests were supposed to remain anonymous, but they later were seized by federal agents.

Ortiz refused to comment when he was questioned about the 2003 drug test. "I'm not talking about that anymore," he said. "I have no comment," he told New York Times.