Former Boston Red Sox Player, David Ortiz, Shot at a Night Club in the Dominican Republic

Introduction

On Sunday, June 9th, 2019 former Boston Red Sox all-star and three-time World Series champion, David Ortiz was shot at a night club in Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic. He immediately underwent 6 hours of emergency surgery and is currently in stable condition in the intensive care unit of the medical facility in the country. The retired slugger is expected to make a full recovery.

Big Papi will remain in the ICU until he is eventually transferred back to Boston for further medical care. Dr. Abel Gonzalez led the team of three doctors that operated on him in Santa Domingo last night. Leo Lopez who is Ortiz’s media assistant said, "Doctors say he is out of danger, but he is heavily sedated and will be in intensive care for the next 24 hours. Big Papi will be around for a long time.''

The Surgery

The six-hour surgery at the Abel Gonzalez Clinic was needed to remove part of Ortiz’s intestines, colon and gallbladder. He endured some significant liver damage as well. The former Red Sox designated hitter and first baseman’s father said, "Doctors say that David is out of danger, thank God. What they have told me post-op is that the doctors believe he will recover quickly."

The Shooting

The shooting occurred at the Dial Bar and Lounge around 8:50 pm local time on June 10th, 2019. Apparently, Ortiz was ambushed by a perpetrator who got off a motorcycle and shot him in the back at close to point-blank range.

The gunman was identified as 25-year-old, Eddy Feliz Garcia, who was captured and beaten severely by other people at the night club. The shooter was treated for a cranium contusion and trauma to his thorax, left knee and right leg at the Dario Contreras Hospital before being released into police custody due to the criminal nature of the incident.

Investigators are trying to determine the motive for the shooting of the sports superstar as it may have been a robbery. Two other people were wounded in the bloody altercation. One of them is television host, Jhoel Lopez, who was injured by the same bullet that hit Ortiz. Lopez was struck in the leg, and the injuries he suffered are not life threatening. Reportedly, the retired MLB star told his doctors after the shooting, "Please don't let me die. I'm a good man." The third victim was not identified as of yet.

Pedro Martinez Tweet

“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.”

The Hall of Fame pitcher also played for the Boston Red Sox, and he is a good friend of Ortiz. The Boston Red Sox organization released this statement:

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

Career MLB Accomplishments and Awards

Ortiz is a ten-time MLB All Star (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016). He is a three-time World Series champion (2004, 2007, 2013). Big Papi was the MVP of the 2013 World Series, and the MVP of the 2004 American League Championship Series (ALCS).

The Dominican born ball player won 7 Silver Slugger Awards (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2011, 2013, 2016). He won 2 American League Hank Aaron Awards (2005, 2016). In 2011 he won the Roberto Clemente Award, and in 2006 he was the American League home run leader. Three seasons (2005, 2006, 2016) he led the Major League Baseball in runs batted in (RBI’s). The Boston Red Sox have retired his jersey number 34 as well.

Sources:

“Red Sox legend Ortiz stable after shooting in DR”, espn.com, June 10, 2019.

“David Ortiz”,  baseball-reference.com, June 10, 2019.

Written by: David Green