By Scott Neuman
Retired Boston Red Sox player David Ortiz looks at the large television screen last June at Fenway Park in Boston.
Elise Amendola/AP
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Elise Amendola/AP
Former Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz was shot in the back Sunday at an outdoor bar in the Dominican capital of Santo Domingo. He is reportedly in stable condition after undergoing surgery.
Ortiz, a native of the Dominican Republic, was at the bar in the capital at about 8:50 p.m. when a man on a motorcycle approached and shot him from behind, according to Dominican National Police Director Ney Aldrin Bautista Almonte.
Ortiz’s father, Leo, told local reporters that his son, 43, was “fine” after surgery and that the bullet did not hit any vital organs.
“He is out of surgery and stable; he is resting,” Leo Ortiz said. “Big Papi will be around for a long time.”
Dominican television host Jhoel Lopez and another person were also wounded in the attack, according to The Associated Press. Lopez was shot in the leg, but his injuries were not considered life-threatening.
I’m at peace knowing you out of danger; you a strong man Compai, can’t wait to hear your voice. My thoughts and prayers are with you, see you soon.
Me siento tranquilo de saber que estás fuera de peligro, usted es fuerte Compai, ya quiero oírle la voz. Orando, nos vemos pronto pic.twitter.com/jdSnNsM7eI— Pedro Martinez (@45PedroMartinez) June 10, 2019
Bautista said that the alleged shooter was captured and beaten by a crowd and that he was undergoing treatment before being questioned by authorities.
The Dial Bar and Lounge, where the assault took place, is located in the eastern part of the capital in a nighlife district known for its high-end dance clubs, according to the AP.
Ortiz, who helped the Red Sox win the World Series three times, hit 541 home runs in his more than 20-year career. He won the MVP award in 2013 and retired after the 2016 season.
