Former Red Sox star David Ortiz shot in the Dominican Republic now in stable condition
Former Red Sox slugger and World Series MVP David Ortiz is in stable condition after being hospitalized with a gunshot wound in the Dominican Republic on Sunday evening, according to reports.
The baseball star was reportedly shot in the back and was taken to the hospital. The shooting occurred in a burglary attempt, his father told ESPN in the initial reports. "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."
A Dominican Republic National Police officer reportedly told 7News that 'Big Papi' was shot once and that the incident happened in a club at East Santo Domingo. The officer also confirmed that the bullet came out through his stomach and that it wasn't a robbery incident. The suspect has been taken into custody. The suspect was reportedly beaten by locals.
Ortiz, 43, - known as Big Papi - played for the Boston Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins before retiring in 2016. During his 14 seasons with the Red Sox he was an All-Star ten times and a three-time World Series Champion. Originally signed by the Seattle Mariners in 1992, Ortiz was traded to the Twins in 1996 and played parts of six seasons with the team. Ortiz was released by the Twins and signed with the Boston Red Sox in 2003, where he spent the remainder of his career.
Twitter has erupted with support for the sports legend and there are also several videos on the site showing a bloodied suspect. The tweet identified him as Eddy Feliz Garcia.