Denorfia was born in Bristol, Connecticut, and is of Italian descent. Growing up in Southington, Connecticut, Denorfia attended Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford, Connecticut. A self-described "late bloomer", Denorfia played second base before having a growth spurt his junior year at the age of 16. Denorfia later attended Division III Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts, where he earned a degree, double majoring in international relations and Hispanic studies. At Wheaton, Denorfia was converted from shortstop to the outfield, and hit .467 during his senior year, drawing the attention of major league scouts. Denorfia's .467 batting average, along with several other impressive statistics, broke school records at Wheaton. Denorfia was the Cincinnati Reds 19th round pick in the 2002 MLB draft.

Denorfia first reached the Major Leagues with the Reds in 2005 in the September roster expansion. He also appeared in 49 games with Cincinnati in 2006, moving back and forth between the big league club and the Triple-A Louisville Bats. Denorfia had Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in March 2007 after tearing a ligament during an exhibition game.

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