DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – Former Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz, better known as Big Papi, was hospitalized Monday after being wounded in an ambush at a Dominican Republic bar, authorities said.
Ortiz was at the Dial Bar and Lounge in Santo Domingo on Sunday night when a gunman approached from behind and shot him at close range, Dominican National Police Director Bautista Almonte said.
As a result, law enforcement authorities said Ortiz was taken to a hospital where he underwent surgery. He is said to be in stable condition.
Leo Ortiz, the 10-time All-Star’s father, told reporters his son was out of danger and there was no damage to his major organs. He said he has no idea why someone would shoot his son.
“He is out of surgery and stable; he is resting,” Leo Ortiz said. “Big Papi will be around for a long time.”
According to TMZ Sports, Ortiz told doctors: “Please don’t let me die. I’m a good man.”
The Red Sox released a statement on Ortiz, saying they offered his family “all available resources to aid in his recovery” and they will continue to keep them in their hearts.
The man believed to be the gunman was captured and beaten by a crowd of people at the bar, Bautista said. Moreover, police are waiting until the suspect undergoes treatment for the injuries he suffered at the hands of the crowd before questioning him. His identity was not released.
Investigators were still trying to determine whether Ortiz was the intended target. Two other people were wounded in the shooting, including TV host Jhoel Lopez, Fox News reported.
The same bullet wounded Ortiz and Lopez, according to authorities.
Lopez suffered non-life threatening injuries. A third unidentified person suffered an undisclosed injury.
Big Papi is a three-time World Series champion. He retired in 2016 and now works for the Red Sox in a variety of capacities.
Ortiz slugged 541 home runs during his 20-year career, which began with the Minnesota Twins.
