'Big Papi' David Ortiz in stable condition after being shot in Dominican Republic

"Big Papi" David Ortiz is in stable condition after being wounded in a shooting Sunday in his home country, according to the former Boston Red Sox slugger's agent, Fernando Cuza.

Ortiz, 44, was ambushed by a man who got off a motorcycle and shot him in the back at nearly point-blank range Sunday night 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. when the gunman approached from behind and shot him. Ortiz was taken to a medical facility where he underwent surgery, and his condition was stable, Bautista said.

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

Jhoel López, a Dominican TV host, was with Ortiz when he was shot. Bautista said López was also wounded, apparently by the same bullet.

Ortiz played for Boston for 14 of his 20 major league seasons and was a beloved leader of the Red Sox team. He hit 541 career home runs, was a 10-time All-Star and was a three-time World Series champion.

His number was retired by the team in 2017. A street and a bridge near Fenway Park are both named after him.

https://www.wcvb.com/article/big-papi-david-ortiz-wounded-in-shooting-in-dominican-republic-reports-say/27871924#