Skip to content

Ortiz makes 1st public appearance in D.R. since June shooting

Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Legendary Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz made his first public appearance in the Dominican Republic on Sunday since he was shot on June 9.

Ortiz was on hand at the Quisqueya Stadium Juan Marichal for the Game of Legends where Dominican major leaguers and retired stars take part in a charity home run derby. Ortiz did not take part in the exhibition.

"I'm happy to be here with my people," Ortiz said, according to Martin Jose Adames Alcantara of the Associated Press.

Ortiz was the victim of a shooting in a Santo Domingo bar during the summer. Dominican authorities said that it was a case of mistaken identity with the intended target being Sixto David Fernandez, a friend of Ortiz.

The former slugger was taken to hospital and underwent multiple surgeries between the Dominican Republic and Boston. He was discharged from the hospital in late July.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox