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> 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> SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic -- Former Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz was hospitalized following surgery for a gunshot wound after being ambushed by a man in a bar in his native Dominican, authorities said.Dominican National Police Director Ney Aldrin Bautista Almonte said Ortiz was at the Dial Bar and Lounge in Santo Domingo around 8:50 p.m. Sunday when a gunman approached from behind and shot him at close range. Ortiz was taken to the Abel Gonzalez clinic, where he underwent surgery, and his condition was stable, Bautista said.Ortiz's father, Leo, speaking to reporters outside the clinic, 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."He is out of surgery and stable; he is resting," Leo Ortiz said. "Big Papi will be around for a long time."The Boston Red Sox, in a statement early Monday, said they have been notified by Ortiz's family that he sustained a gunshot wound to his "lower back/abdominal region" and that he is recovering after surgery.The Red Sox said they offered the Ortiz family "all available resources to aid in his recovery" and they will continue to keep them in their hearts.The alleged gunman was captured and beaten by a crowd of people at the bar, Bautista said. He said police are waiting until the man undergoes treatment for his injuries before questioning him.Investigators are trying to determine whether Ortiz was the intended target, Bautista said.Two other people were wounded, Bautista said, including Jhoel López, a Dominican TV host who was with Ortiz. Bautista said police believe López was wounded by the same bullet.López 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 Dial Bar and Lounge is located in eastern Santo Domingo on Venezuela Avenue, a bustling nightlife district packed with dance clubs and pricey bars that Ortiz is known to frequent. Ortiz, who lives at least part of the year in the Dominican, is often seen getting his cars washed and hanging out with friends including other baseball players, artists and entertainers.The 43-year-old Ortiz hit 541 homers in 20 major league seasons, including 14 with the Red Sox. He helped lead Boston to three World Series titles and retired after the 2016 season. He was a 10-time All-Star and World Series MVP in 2013. </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> 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> • Surveillance footage shows the moment David “Big Papi” Ortiz was shot at a bar in the Dominican Republic on Sunday night.
• The video shows the former Red Sox slugger falling to the ground after being shot in the back.
• Ortiz is reportedly out of surgery and expected to recover. The shooting suspect is in custody.

Surveillance footage obtained by CNN shows the moment the former Red Sox slugger David “Big Papi” Ortiz was shot at a bar in the Dominican Republic on Sunday night.

The video shows the 43-year-old falling to the ground after being shot in the back by a man who reportedly arrived at a bar in Santo Domingo, Ortiz’s hometown, on a motorcycle.

Ortiz was rushed to the hospital to undergo surgery. A sports reporter named Guillermo Schultz tweeted shortly before midnight that Ortiz was already out of surgery and “is out of danger.”

Local journalists have identified the shooting suspect as a man in his 20s named Eddy Feliz García.

Videos showed the suspect being beaten by bystanders after the attack. The videos, which INSIDER is not reposting because they are graphic, show the man bleeding heavily from the face while sitting on a sidewalk, a crowd yelling obscenities at him.

Read more: After Red Sox legend David ‘Big Papi’ Ortiz was shot, a crowd at the bar beat the suspect until police arrived

A photo shows the suspect recovering from his injuries after the attack, with a bandage around his head and cuts and bruises covering his face.

Ortiz helped the Red Sox win three World Series during his 14 seasons with the team. He retired in 2016 with a career 541 home runs.
• 5 American tourists have died in the Dominican Republic in less than three months
• A Pennsylvania woman died at a Dominican Republic hotel just days before a Maryland couple were found dead at the same resort </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> SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — Former Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz was hospitalized Monday following surgery for a gunshot wound after being ambushed by a man in a bar in his native Dominican Republic, authorities said.

Dominican National Police Director Ney Aldrin Bautista Almonte said Ortiz was at the Dial Bar and Lounge in Santo Domingo around 8:50 p.m. Sunday when a gunman approached from behind and shot him at close range. Ortiz was taken to the Abel Gonzalez clinic, where he underwent surgery, and his condition was stable, Bautista said.

Ortiz's father, Leo, speaking to reporters outside the clinic, 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.

Leo Ortiz, center, father of former Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz talks with journalists at the hospital where his son was hospitalized after being shot in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Sunday, June 9, 2019. Ortiz was ambushed by a man who got off a motorcycle and shot him in the back at close range Sunday night in his native Dominican Republic, authorities said. (AP Photo / Ricardo Hernandez)

He is out of surgery and stable; he is resting," Leo Ortiz said. "Big Papi will be around for a long time."

RELATED: Red Sox pull out stops for David Ortiz: Number retired, bridge named in honor

The Boston Red Sox confirmed the details in a tweet early Monday.

The team said they have been notified by Ortiz's family that he sustained a gunshot wound to his "lower back/abdominal region" and that he is recovering after surgery.

The Red Sox said they offered the Ortiz family "all available resources to aid in his recovery" and they will continue to keep them in their hearts.

The alleged gunman was captured and beaten by a crowd of people at the bar, Bautista said. He said police are waiting until the man undergoes treatment for his injuries before questioning him.

Investigators are trying to determine whether Ortiz was the intended target, Bautista said.

Two other people were wounded, Bautista said, including Jhoel López, a Dominican TV host who was with Ortiz. Bautista said police believe López was wounded by the same bullet.

López 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 Dial Bar and Lounge is located in eastern Santo Domingo on Venezuela Avenue, a bustling nightlife district packed with dance clubs and pricey bars that Ortiz is known to frequent. Ortiz, who lives at least part of the year in the Dominican Republic, is often seen getting his cars washed and hanging out with friends, including other baseball players, artists and entertainers.

Reaction from around the sports world started to come in as news of the shooting spread across social media.

Former Red Sox teammate Pedro Martinez expressed relief that Ortiz was out of danger.

Martinez tweeted, "I’m at peace knowing you out of danger; you a strong man Compai, can’t wait to hear your voice."

The 43-year-old Ortiz hit 541 homers in 20 major league seasons, including 14 with the Red Sox. He helped lead Boston to three World Series titles and retired after the 2016 season. He was a 10-time All-Star and World Series MVP in 2013.
Former Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz is shot in the Dominican Republic during a reported robbery attempt. He is expected to fully recover following surgery.