Former Boston Red Sox star David Ortiz suffered a gunshot wound in an attack that occurred in his native Dominican Republic.
Red Sox Nation was rattled by news late Sunday night that David Ortiz was rushed to a local clinic after being shot in the back at the Dial Bar and Lounge in the Dominican Republic.
ESPN’s Marly Rivera reports that Ortiz was in surgery until 3:30 a.m. Monday morning as doctors worked to treat and remove internal organs damaged in the attack. They removed part of Ortiz’s intestines and colon, as well as his gallbladder. Ortiz also suffered liver damage. He’ll remain in intensive care for 24 hours but is reportedly in stable condition.
David Ortiz’s brother informed the media gathered at the clinic that he’s out of surgery and is stable. https://t.co/1drHmuiLU7
— Marly Rivera (@MarlyRiveraESPN) June 10, 2019
Initial reports indicated that Ortiz was injured in an attempted robbery but police in the Dominican Republic have ruled that out upon further investigation, reports ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The disturbing surveillance footage of the incident is not something we’ll share here but reports indicate that a man arriving on a motorcycle shot Ortiz at point-blank range in the back.
This certainly doesn’t sound like a random incident or botched robbery. The reports describe a premeditated act of violence committed by a coward who shot a man from behind. The gunman was captured and beaten by a crowd of people at the bar and is now in police custody.
The Red Sox confirmed in an official statement that they were aware of the incident and have offered Ortiz and his family all available resources to aid in his recovery,
News of the attack quickly circulated across social media last night with many of Ortiz’ former teammates and other athletes showing their support. That includes his 2004 World Series teammate and fellow Dominican, Pedro Martinez.
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.
— Pedro Martinez (@45PedroMartinez) June 10, 2019
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
The outpouring of support from friends, teammates, and fans shows how much Ortiz has meant to so many people. His Hall of Fame caliber resume only begins to describe what he has meant to this franchise and city.
Ortiz is one of the most popular athletes in Boston sports history and is even more beloved in his native Dominican. It’s unfathomable why anyone would want to harm someone who has been such a generous ambassador to the game of baseball and his home country.
When Boston was terrorized by the horrific Marathon bombing in 2013, Ortiz stood up to be a voice for the people. His infamous “This is our F’ing city” speech was a rallying cry that united the city. He was there for us and now the city is here for him. Get well soon, David.