SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) David Ortiz was back in Boston for medical care after authorities said the former Red Sox slugger affectionately known as Big Papi was ambushed by a gunman at a bar in his native Dominican Republic.
A plane carrying the 43-year-old retired athlete landed Monday night after a flight from the Dominican, the team said.
Ortiz 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 López. He said Ortizs liver was also damaged in the shooting Sunday night.
Ortiz is one of the most beloved figures in sports history in the Dominican Republic and Boston, a fearsome power hitter with a ready smile. 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 Monday, causing a traffic jam. In the U.S., fans prayed for his recovery and wished him well, with New England Patriots 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 air ambulance to bring him back to Boston.
Hes on the Mount Rushmore of Boston sports, said Eddie Romero, the teams assistant general manager.
The club asked fans to observe a moment of reflection shortly before playing the Texas Rangers at Fenway Park and posted on the videoboard: We send our love to David Ortiz.
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 operator 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. 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? Salvador recalled asking him, to which Ortiz replied: No, my brother, Ive never wronged anyone.
Salvador held up Ortizs bloody belongings for reporters, along with some of his jewelry. He also apologized for hitting several cars while rushing to the hospital: That wrongdoing was justified.
Ortizs father, Leo, said he had no idea why someone would have shot at his son.
He is resting, the elder Ortiz said. Big Papi will be around for a long time.
