David Ortiz flown to Boston for further treatment after shooting.
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — David Ortiz was back in Boston on Monday night for medical care, a day after authorities said the former Red Sox slugger known as Big Papi was ambushed by a gunman at a bar in his native Dominican Republic.
A plane carrying the 43-year-old landed 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 Lopez. He said Ortiz’s 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.
The Red Sox offered “all available resources” and sent an air ambulance to bring him back to Boston.
“He’s on the Mount Rushmore of Boston sports,” said Eddie Romero, the team’s assistant general manager.
The club asked fans to observe a moment of reflection shortly before playing the Rangers at Fenway Park and posted on the videoboard: “We send our love to David Ortiz.”
Ortiz was at the Dial Bar and Lounge when a gunman approached from behind and shot him at close range in the torso.
The gunman wasn’t immediately identified or arrested and the motive for the shooting was under investigation.