Former Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz was shot outside of a club in his hometown of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on Sunday, June 9. Ortiz was shot in the lower left back with the bullet exiting his stomach.
One of the men allegedly involved in the shooting was brutally beaten by an angry mob before being arrested.
As for Ortiz’s health, he is in stable condition after being in the ICU and is currently recovering in the hospital. Ortiz received his initial treatment at Integral Medical Center in the Eastern Zone.
Dominican journalist Dionisio Soldevila shared an update on Ortiz’s health that says a six-hour surgery led to multiple organs being removed.
“David Ortiz’s surgery was six hours, not two like his father said. It’s been confirmed to us that part of his intestines, colon, and gallbladder were removed. He’s in the ICU, stable and recovering,” the tweet read.
We wish Big Papi the best in his recovery.
Ortiz was a member of three World Series championship teams during his team with the Boston Red Sox and was the 2013 World Series MVP. Ortiz was in his birthplace of Santo Domingo when he was shot.
Throughout his MLB career, Ortiz was a 10-time All-Star, seven-time Silver Slugger Award winner, Roberto Clemente Award winner, two-time AL Hank Aaron Award winner, and the AL home run leader in 2006.
Ortiz’s No. 34 was retired by the Red Sox following his playing career.
What Happened?
David Ortiz was shot once in the back and that the bullet came through his stomach. The Dominican Republic National Police confirmed the news and a suspect is currently in custody. CDN reports that the man who was arrested was beaten by witnesses of the shooting.
Ortiz is reportedly in stable condition.
He reportedly told doctors: “Please do not let me die; I am a good man.”