David Ortiz Arrives In Boston After Shooting

Red Sox legend David Ortiz landed at Logan Airport in Boston Monday night after he was shot and seriously injured in his home country of the Dominican Republic over the weekend. Ortiz suffered damage to his organs in Sunday's shooting, according to local reports. His father said Ortiz is expected to survive.

Ortiz's condition was still serious, according to Red Sox President Sam Kennedy. The team arranged for an air ambulance to transport him to back to Boston for treatment at Massachusetts General Hospital.

"David Ortiz is probably the most beloved player in our history," Kennedy said during a news conference Monday afternoon. "The club's exclusive focus is on David's health and well-being."

Ortiz was shot once in the back at close range by suspect who was later captured by police. Local media identified him as Eddy Feliz García. Police have not commented on the potential motive but said it was not an attempted robbery.

The bullet damaged several of Ortiz's organs. Part of his colon was removed while his gallbladder and liver were also damaged from the bullet, according to The Boston Globe. Ortiz's surgery ended at 3:30 a.m. Monday at Clinica Abel Gonzalez in Santo Domingo, a member of Ortiz's camp told ESPN. He remained in intensive care but in stable condition.

Police said the shooter hopped off a motorcycle at the Dial Bar and Lounge shortly before 9 p.m., walked up behind Ortiz and shot him. The bullet entered Ortiz's lower back and exited through his stomach, according to reports.

Video from the nightclub shows a person walking up behind Ortiz, pointing a gun and firing. Ortiz collapsed while the crowd scattered in panic.

Multiple media outlets obtained the video (warning: graphic):

Ortiz, 43, retired in 2016, capping a 20-year Hall of Fame career in which he established himself as one of the most captivating sports stars of the 21st century — and one of the most clutch sluggers in history. "Big Papi" was at the center of the Red Sox breaking an 86-year World Series championship curse in 2004 and played a central role in their 2007 and 2013 championships as well.

Ortiz was a 10-time All-Star and seven-time Silver Slugger award winner, bashing a career 541 home runs, including a single-season Red Sox record 54 in 2006. Boston fans can close their eyes and flawlessly recreate at least a dozen of them, ending with the big helicopter follow through, giving the Red Sox a late lead.

The only thing bigger than Ortiz's bat has been his personality. After six mostly nondescript seasons in Minnesota, Ortiz quickly became one of the game's most likable athletes soon after arriving in Boston in 2003. His smile was as synonymous to Big Papi as the walkoff home runs, earning him the distinction of being one of baseball's most marketable players on an international level. Even in retirement, Ortiz remains perhaps baseball's biggest global ambassador.

Teammates, opponents and fans flooded social media with prayers and support late Sunday night. Among them were Pedro Martinez, Ortiz's former Red Sox teammate and countryman, and Alex Rodriguez, the longtime Yankees rival who has since forged a close bond with Ortiz. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady wished Ortiz a fast recovery.

Jason Claffey, Patch staff, contributed to this report.