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Ortiz shot in lower back and is in surgery (1:06)
David Ortiz was reportedly shot in the lower back and the bullet went through and came out of his stomach. (1:06)
12:33 AM ET
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ESPN News Services
Former Boston Red Sox slugger and Dominican star David Ortiz is out of surgery and doing “fine” after being shot at a club in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Ortiz’s brother told local reporter Dionisio Soldevila.
Authorities say Ortiz was ambushed by a man who got off a motorcycle and shot him in the back at nearly point-blank range around 8:50 p.m. local time Sunday at the Dial Bar and Lounge in Santo Domingo.
Ortiz underwent surgery at the Dr. Abel González clinic and his condition was stable, police said.
According to Dominican National Police Director Ney Aldrin Bautista Almonte, the gunman was captured and beaten by a crowd of people at the bar. Bautista said police are waiting until the man undergoes treatment before questioning him.
Jhoel Lopez, a Dominican TV host, was with Ortiz when he was shot. Bautista says Lopez was also wounded, apparently by the same bullet.
Soldevila, a reporter from the Dominican who hosts a radio show with ESPN’s Enrique Rojas, told ESPN he spoke with the doctor who first treated Ortiz and was told Ortiz was shot in the lower back and that the bullet went through and came out his stomach. According to Soldevila, Ortiz told his doctors, “Please don’t let me die. I’m a good man.”
Hall of Fame pitcher and fellow Dominican Pedro Martinez was among several current and former baseball players to send out tweets in support of Ortiz.
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
Ortiz, who was born in Santo Domingo, played major league baseball for 20 seasons but was best known for the 14 years he spent with Boston.
The 43-year-old made 10 All-Star teams and won three World Series with the Red Sox, before retiring in 2016. He was named World Series MVP in 2013, when he helped the Red Sox knock off the St. Louis Cardinals 4-2.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
