SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) - Authorities say former Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz is hospitalized following surgery for a gunshot wound after being ambushed by a man in a bar in his native Dominican Republic.

Dominican police officials said Ortiz was at the Dial Bar and Lounge in Santo Domingo around 8:50 p.m. Sunday when the gunman approached from behind and shot him at close range. Officials said Ortiz was taken to the Abel Gonzalez clinic, where he underwent surgery, and his condition was stable.

Ortiz's father, Leo, said his son was out of danger and there wasn't any collateral damage, meaning no damage to major organs. He said he had no idea why someone would have shot at his son.

The Boston Red Sox said in a statement they were notified by Ortiz's family that he sustained a gunshot wound to his "lower back/abdominal region" and that he is recovering. The team offered "all available resources to aid in his recovery." </s> Baseball star David Ortiz has left hospital in the Dominican Republic to be flown to Boston after he was ambushed by a gunman at a bar in his native country, authorities said.

Baseball star David Ortiz has left hospital in the Dominican Republic to be flown to Boston after he was ambushed by a gunman at a bar in his native country, authorities said.

The 43-year-old retired batter had been in stable condition in intensive care at a Santo Domingo hospital after doctors removed his gallbladder and part of his intestine, according to his spokesman, Leo Lopez.

He said Ortiz’s liver was also damaged in the shooting on Sunday night.

The former Boston Red Sox star, affectionately known as Big Papi, is one of the most beloved figures in sports history in the Dominican Republic and Boston. He led the Red Sox to three World Series championships, was a 10-time All-Star and hit 541 home runs.

Dozens of fans crowded the hospital earlier on Monday, causing a traffic jam. In the US, fans prayed for his recovery and wished him well, with New England Patriots NFL star Julian Edelman assuring him on Instagram: “Papi, all of New England has your back.”

The Red Sox offered “all available resources” and sent an aircraft to bring him back to Boston.

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 in the torso, authorities said.

The gunman was not immediately identified or arrested, and the motive for the shooting was under investigation, with authorities trying to determine whether Ortiz was the target.

The rider of the motorcycle that was carrying the gunman was captured and beaten by a crowd of people at the bar, authorities said.

Eliezer Salvador, who was at the scene, said the gunman said nothing, just fired once. Mr Salvador then drove a wounded Ortiz to the hospital, telling reporters they had a brief conversation in the car as he urged the baseball great to stay calm and breathe.

“Do you have any problems with anyone?” Mr Salvador recalled asking him, to which Ortiz replied: “No, my brother, I’ve never wronged anyone.”

Mr Salvador held up Ortiz’s bloody belongings for reporters, along with some of his jewellery. He also apologised for hitting several cars while rushing to hospital: “That wrongdoing was justified.”

Ortiz’s father Leo said he had no idea why someone would have shot at his son.

“He is resting,” he said. “Big Papi will be around for a long time.”

He added that he is pleased with the medical attention Ortiz has received but he will be transferred to Boston so he can be with his wife and the Red Sox medical team.

Two other people were wounded, including Jhoel Lopez, a Dominican TV host who was with Ortiz. Police believe Lopez was wounded by the same bullet, said national police director Ney Aldrin Bautista Almonte. Lopez was shot in the leg, and his injuries were not life-threatening, said his wife, Liza Blanco, who is also a TV host.

Police did not identify the third person or detail that person’s injuries.

The bar is in a bustling nightlife district packed with dance clubs and expensive bars that Ortiz is known to frequent.

Ortiz, who retired after the 2016 season and lives at least part of the year in the Dominican Republic, is often seen hanging out with friends, including other baseball players, artists and entertainers.

The Red Sox retired his number, 34, in 2017, and Boston renamed a bridge and a stretch of road outside their ground, Fenway Park, in his honour. He maintains a home on the outskirts of Boston.

Ortiz galvanised the city after the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing that left three people dead, bellowing through a megaphone at Fenway Park: “This is our (expletive) city!”

“In 2013, when we needed David Ortiz the most, he was there for us,” Red Sox president and CEO Sam Kennedy said. “Our focus is on his health and on getting him back here for treatment.” </s> Former Red Sox star David Ortiz was hospitalized with a gunshot wound Sunday night in the Dominican Republic, according to multiple reports. Ortiz’s condition is currently unknown.

Dominican news station CDN 37 reported the suspect has been arrested. Dominican journalist Dionisio Soldevilla reported Ortiz was shot in the lower back.

ESPN’s Enrique Rojas spoke with Ortiz’s father, who confirmed Ortiz was shot at an amusement center.

“They called me to tell me that David is injured and that they took him to a medical center, but they did not tell me how he is or exactly where he was transferred," Leo Ortiz told Rojas (via Marly Rivera).

.@Enrique_Rojas1 spoke to David Ortiz's father after learning that he was shot in a burglary attempt in the DR: "They called me to tell me that David is injured and that they took him to a medical center, but they did not tell me how he is or exactly where he was transferred." — Marly Rivera (@MarlyRiveraESPN) June 10, 2019

When reached for comment Sunday night, Red Sox spokesperson Kevin Gregg said the team was not aware of the incident.

Ortiz, 43, spent 14 years with the Red Sox from 2003-2016. He is a 10-time All-Star who has remained with the organization as a special assistant since retiring after the 2016 season.

More to come as updates become available. </s> David Ortiz in stable condition after being shot in Dominican Republic

Former Boston Red Sox superstar David Ortiz was hospitalized to treat injuries sustained via gunshot wound following an incident in the Dominican Republic on Sunday, his family and the Red Sox have confirmed. Ney Aldrin Bautista Almonte, Dominican National police director, announced that Ortiz is in stable condition following emergency surgery.

The Red Sox released the following statement late Sunday night:
• Late last night we were made aware of an incident involving David Ortiz in the Dominican Republic. David’s family has confirmed that he sustained a gunshot wound to the lower back/abdominal region. David is being treated at Clinica Abel Gonzalez in Santo Domingo where he is recovering after surgery.

We have offered David’s family all available resources to aid in his recovery and will continue to keep them in our hearts.

“(Ortiz’s family) got back to me this morning. Stable, recovering, and it looks like everything is going to be OK,” former Red Sox infielder Will Middlebrooks said Monday morning on CBS Sports HQ. “… As it looks right now, surgery went well, from what I’m being told. He’s got a little bit of recovery ahead of him, but he’s going to be OK.”

Ortiz’s father, Leo, confirmed that his son was shot once, according to an ESPN report. The bullet penetrated through Ortiz’s back and exited out through his stomach. Here is what Ortiz’s father told ESPN’s Enrique Rojas via telephone immediately after news surfaced that Ortiz had been shot and wounded:

“They called me to tell me that David is injured and that they took him to a medical center, but they did not tell me how he is or where he was transferred exactly,” Leo Ortiz said by telephone from the Dominican Republic.

ESPN’s Marly Rivera passes along word from Leo Lopez, Ortiz’s assistant and press representative, that Ortiz’s surgery ended at 3:30 a.m. local time and he will remain in intensive care for 24 hours. Doctor’s had to remove his gallbladder, and also control bleeding from his liver and bowel.

Ortiz’s brother, Eloy, told Dominican reporter Dionisio Soldevila that the former Red Sox slugger is “out of surgery and doing well.” Despite the injuries, Leo Ortiz said a full recovery is expected.

“Doctors say that David is out of danger, thank God,” Ortiz’s father, Leo Ortiz, told ESPN. “What they have told me post-op is that the doctors believe he will recover quickly.”

Leo Ortiz added: “Big Papi will be around for a long time.”

The Red Sox will hold a press conference Monday afternoon at Fenway Park to discuss the Ortiz situation. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski, executive vice president and assistant GM Eddie Romero, and manager Alex Cora are expected to speak. Ortiz has been cleared to travel to Boston for further treatment:

The incident took place at a lounge in the eastern part of Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic. At least one person responsible for the incident is in local police custody. The incident was initially described as a attempted robbery, but security footage surfaced on social media that is alleged to show what appeared to have been an ambush.

Two others were wounded during the attack, including Dominican television host Jhoel Lopez, possibly by the same bullet that passed through Ortiz.

ESPN reports the attacker has been identified as 25-year-old Eddy Feliz Garcia. He was captured and beaten by a crowd at the venue, and suffered injuries to his head and legs. He was treated at a local hospital before being released into police custody.

Ortiz, 42, was born and raised in Santo Domingo and is considered a legendary figure in his native Dominican Republic. His main residence is in the Boston area, but he does charity work and has business interests in his native country. In parts of 20 MLB seasons, Ortiz hit .286 with 541 home runs. He was a 10-time All-Star and three-time World Series champion.

Here is what is being reported:
• Ortiz was shot once in the lower back. The bullet exited through his abdomen.
• Incident took place at a bar/lounge in Ortiz’s native Dominican Republic.
• Ortiz underwent emergency surgery and is expected to make a full recovery.
• During the surgery, Ortiz’s gallbladder was removed and bleeding from his liver and bowel had to be controlled.
• Ortiz is considered to be in stable condition, according to one of the doctors and the local police chief.
• A suspect was beaten by a crowd at the venue and is now in police custody.

 Two others were wounded during the attack, including Dominican television host Jhoel Lopez.
• Security camera footage shows the attack was not an attempted robbery, but perhaps an ambush. </s> Baseball star David Ortiz has left hospital in the Dominican Republic to be flown to Boston after he was ambushed by a gunman at a bar in his native country, authorities said.

The 43-year-old retired batter had been in stable condition in intensive care at a Santo Domingo hospital after doctors removed his gallbladder and part of his intestine, according to his spokesman, Leo Lopez.

He said Ortiz’s liver was also damaged in the shooting on Sunday night.

The former Boston Red Sox star, affectionately known as Big Papi, is one of the most beloved figures in sports history in the Dominican Republic and Boston. He led the Red Sox to three World Series championships, was a 10-time All-Star and hit 541 home runs.

Dozens of fans crowded the hospital earlier on Monday, causing a traffic jam. In the US, fans prayed for his recovery and wished him well, with New England Patriots NFL star Julian Edelman assuring him on Instagram: “Papi, all of New England has your back.”

The Red Sox offered “all available resources” and sent an aircraft to bring him back to Boston.

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 in the torso, authorities said.

The gunman was not immediately identified or arrested, and the motive for the shooting was under investigation, with authorities trying to determine whether Ortiz was the target.

The rider of the motorcycle that was carrying the gunman was captured and beaten by a crowd of people at the bar, authorities said.

Eliezer Salvador, who was at the scene, said the gunman said nothing, just fired once. Mr Salvador then drove a wounded Ortiz to the hospital, telling reporters they had a brief conversation in the car as he urged the baseball great to stay calm and breathe.

“Do you have any problems with anyone?” Mr Salvador recalled asking him, to which Ortiz replied: “No, my brother, I’ve never wronged anyone.”

Mr Salvador held up Ortiz’s bloody belongings for reporters, along with some of his jewellery. He also apologised for hitting several cars while rushing to hospital: “That wrongdoing was justified.”

Ortiz’s father Leo said he had no idea why someone would have shot at his son.

“He is resting,” he said. “Big Papi will be around for a long time.”

He added that he is pleased with the medical attention Ortiz has received but he will be transferred to Boston so he can be with his wife and the Red Sox medical team.

Two other people were wounded, including Jhoel Lopez, a Dominican TV host who was with Ortiz. Police believe Lopez was wounded by the same bullet, said national police director Ney Aldrin Bautista Almonte. Lopez was shot in the leg, and his injuries were not life-threatening, said his wife, Liza Blanco, who is also a TV host.

Police did not identify the third person or detail that person’s injuries.

The bar is in a bustling nightlife district packed with dance clubs and expensive bars that Ortiz is known to frequent.

Ortiz, who retired after the 2016 season and lives at least part of the year in the Dominican Republic, is often seen hanging out with friends, including other baseball players, artists and entertainers.

The Red Sox retired his number, 34, in 2017, and Boston renamed a bridge and a stretch of road outside their ground, Fenway Park, in his honour. He maintains a home on the outskirts of Boston.

Ortiz galvanised the city after the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing that left three people dead, bellowing through a megaphone at Fenway Park: “This is our (expletive) city!”

“In 2013, when we needed David Ortiz the most, he was there for us,” Red Sox president and CEO Sam Kennedy said. “Our focus is on his health and on getting him back here for treatment.” </s> Former Boston Red Sox superstar David Ortiz was hospitalized to treat injuries sustained via gunshot wound following an incident in the Dominican Republic on Sunday, his family and the Red Sox have confirmed. Ney Aldrin Bautista Almonte, Dominican National police director, announced that Ortiz is in stable condition following emergency surgery.

The Red Sox released the following statement late Sunday night:

Late last night we were made aware of an incident involving David Ortiz in the Dominican Republic. David's family has confirmed that he sustained a gunshot wound to the lower back/abdominal region. David is being treated at Clinica Abel Gonzalez in Santo Domingo where he is recovering after surgery. 



 We have offered David's family all available resources to aid in his recovery and will continue to keep them in our hearts.

Ortiz's father, Leo, confirmed that his son was shot once, according to an ESPN report. The bullet penetrated through Ortiz's back and exited out through his stomach. Here is what Ortiz's father told ESPN's Enrique Rojas via telephone immediately after news surfaced that Ortiz had been shot and wounded:

ESPN's Marly Rivera passes along word from Leo Lopez, Ortiz's assistant and press representative, that Ortiz's surgery ended at 3:30 a.m. local time and he will remain in intensive care for 24 hours. Doctor's had to remove his gallbladder, and also control bleeding from his liver and bowel.

Ortiz's brother, Eloy, told Dominican reporter Dionisio Soldevila that the former Red Sox slugger is "out of surgery and doing well." Despite the injuries, Leo Ortiz said a full recovery is expected.

The incident took place at a lounge in the eastern part of Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic. At least one person responsible for the incident is in local police custody. The incident was initially described as a attempted robbery, but security footage surfaced on social media that is alleged to show what appeared to have been an ambush.

Jeff Passan of ESPN has more:

Two others were wounded during the attack, including Dominican television host Jhoel Lopez, possibly by the same bullet that passed through Ortiz.

ESPN reports the attacker has been identified as 25-year-old Eddy Feliz Garcia. He was captured and beaten by a crowd at the venue, and suffered injuries to his head and legs. He was treated at a local hospital before being released into police custody.

Ortiz, 42, was born and raised in Santo Domingo and is considered a legendary figure in his native Dominican Republic. His main residence is in the Boston area, but he does charity work and has business interests in his native country. In parts of 20 MLB seasons, Ortiz hit .286 with 541 home runs. He was a 10-time All-Star and three-time World Series champion.

Here is what is being reported:

- Ortiz was shot once in the lower back. The bullet exited through his abdomen.

 - Incident took place at a bar/lounge in Ortiz's native Dominican Republic.

 - Ortiz underwent emergency surgery and is expected to make a full recovery.

 - During the surgery, Ortiz's gallbladder was removed and bleeding from his liver and bowel had to be controlled.

 - Ortiz is considered to be in stable condition, according to one of the doctors and the local police chief.

 - A suspect was beaten by a crowd at the venue and is now in police custody.

 - Two others were wounded during the attack, including Dominican television host Jhoel Lopez.

 - Security camera footage shows the attack was not an attempted robbery, but perhaps an ambush.

CBS Sports will continue to update this breaking news story as necessary. </s> 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

A guy who takes care of people all over the world and has made an impact on so many. Was there for me with my brother and he will be back being Big Papi! Thoughts and Prayers from my family to you and yours! #PAPI — Blake Aubry Swihart (@BLAKESWIHART_1) June 10, 2019

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic -- The sports world is reeling after learning that Boston Red Sox icon David Ortiz was shot in a bar in the Dominican Republic.Ortiz is hospitalized and his condition is stable after the shooting, which happened Sunday, Dominican National Police Director Ney Aldrin Bautista Almonte said His former team was among the first organizations to react to the news, writing in a statement, "We have offered David's family all available resources to aid in his recovery and will continue to keep them in our hearts."Former Red Sox teammate Travis Shaw wrote, "Please be Superman one more time."Athletes and sports analysts from Major League Baseball and beyond also shared their thoughts and prayers. </s> Retired Boston Red Sox star David Ortiz is listed in stable condition in the intensive care unit of a Dominican Republic hospital Monday morning following surgery for gunshot wounds.

"Doctors say he is out of danger, but he is heavily sedated and will be in intensive care for the next 24 hours," Leo Lopez, Ortiz's media assistant, told ESPN.

The 43-year-old Ortiz, recognized as the beloved "Big Papi" by baseball fans during his 14 seasons in Boston, was shot in the back Sunday night while visiting a nightclub in Santo Domingo.

Lopez said Ortiz underwent six hours of surgery. Doctors removed his gallbladder and part of his colon and intestines. Ortiz also sustained liver damage, he added.

"Doctors say that David is out of danger, thank God," Ortiz's father, Leo Ortiz, told ESPN. "What they have told me post-op is that the doctors believe he will recover quickly."

His father added: "Big Papi will be around for a long time.''

Police said Ortiz was shot at nearly point-blank range by a man identified as Eddy Feliz Garcia, 25. Ney Aldrin Bautista Almonte, the director of the Dominican National Police, said a group of people at the bar surrounded the suspect and beat him before police arrived, per ESPN.

Garcia was treated at a local hospital and released to police.

Police said it is unclear whether Ortiz was targeted.

Two others also were wounded in the attack.

Jhoel Lopez, a Dominican television host, was shot in the leg, and his injuries were not considered life-threatening. Police did not detail the injuries to the third person or make an identification.

The news of Ortiz' shooting brought an outpouring of support on social media Monday morning.

From former New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi: "Thoughts and prayers to David Ortiz and his family. A man that defines the city of Boston. Get better Big Papi."

From the Washington Nationals: "David Ortiz is a one-of-a-kind baseball legend. Wishing Big Papi a full and speedy recovery."

And from Boston Mayor Marty Walsh: "Boston is thinking of you, @davidortiz, and wishing you a full and quick recovery. Get well soon."

Ortiz ended his 20-year big league career in 2016, when he earned the last of his 10 All-Star appearances. The former designated hitter and first baseman won seven Silver Slugger awards in his career, and he hit 541 home runs with 1,768 RBIs in 2,408 games in the majors. He ranks 17th in major league history in career home runs.

Ortiz began his major league career by playing six seasons for the Minnesota Twins (1997-2002), but his career blossomed after he joined the Red Sox. His postseason heroics helped Boston capture its first World Series title in 86 years in 2004, when he was the Most Valuable Player of the American League Championship Series as the Red Sox overcame a 3-0 series deficit to the New York Yankees in seven games.

He also helped the Red Sox win championships in 2007 and 2013, capturing World Series MVP honors in the latter season. </s> (Reuters) - Police in the Dominican Republic were investigating on Monday why a man shot and wounded former Boston Red Sox slugger David “Big Papi” Ortiz as he sat in a nightclub late on Sunday, according to police and the team.

Ortiz, a 43-year-old retired baseball player still beloved in Boston for his role on three World Series-winning teams, was recovering in a hospital in Santo Domingo on Monday from a bullet wound to his back, the Red Sox said. His friend Jhoel López, a television host, was also wounded in the incident, police said in a statement.

The pair of assailants drove up to the club on a motorcycle late Sunday where one of them appeared to approach on foot and open fire, sparking a panic in which diners fled their tables, according to police and video of the incident posted by local media.

Some at the club then beat one of the suspects before police took him into custody. He was later identified as Eddy Vladimir Féliz García.

Police said they are still searching for the other suspect, who fled on foot. Féliz García had been arrested in 2017 on drug possession charges, police said, adding they had seized the motorcycle used in the attack.

El Nuevo Diario published what it said was security camera footage of the moment the shooting occurred. It showed patrons at the bar suddenly fleeing, leaving toppled chairs behind them.

The former baseball star was out of surgery and in a stable condition and expected to make a full recovery, his father, Leo Ortiz, told reporters in Santo Domingo, according to CBS.

“Big Papi will be around for a long time,” he told reporters.

The surgery lasted about six hours, with doctors removing parts of his intestines, colon and gallbladder, ESPN reported, citing Leo Lopez, a spokesman for Ortiz.

Ortiz remained in the intensive care unit on Monday, but was expected to be flown to Boston later for further treatment, ESPN said.

The Red Sox said they were in contact with the family.

Ortiz started his career in 1997 with the Minnesota Twins, then played for the Red Sox for 14 seasons before retiring in 2016, according to Major League Baseball.

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh and Ortiz’s fellow baseball stars were among those expressing sympathy for Ortiz and his family.

Ortiz was famously protective of Boston during his time with the Red Sox, and won international attention for a defiant speech in the days after the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing in which he exclaimed “this is our fucking city” on national television.

“I’m at peace knowing you (are) out of danger,” he wrote on Twitter.

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady extended his get-well wishes on Twitter, writing: “Papi defines Boston Strong ... get well soon my friend!!!”

Former U.S. President Barack Obama also wished Ortiz a speedy recovery, writing on Twitter that his “spirit and resolve helped us all begin to heal from the Boston Marathon bombing.”
Former Boston Red Sox star David Ortiz returns to Boston to recover from a shooting in the Dominican Republic.