David Ortiz is considered a legend in the Dominican Republic, but that status was not enough to protect him from an attempted murder in his hometown of Santo Domingo last weekend. In addition to coming awfully close to being one of the greatest tragedies in sports history, Boston Red Sox infielder Eduardo Nunez says the incident was an embarrassment for Dominican ballplayers.
Nunez, who spoke with Ortiz on the phone Tuesday, told ESPN’s Marly Rivera that Dominican players feel “embarrassed” that Ortiz was shot in their home country.
“Just thinking about the fact that this happened to him in the Dominican Republic, it is unimaginable,” Nunez said. “For us, as Dominican players, it’s a very bad image. It is an international shame.
“We feel very embarrassed about what happened to him because he is a legend from our homeland, and this happened to him in our homeland.”
Law enforcement officials in the Dominican Republic said Wednesday that they have five people in custody in relation to the shooting, including the alleged gunman. It is believed that the coordinator of the shooting was offered less than $8,000 to kill Ortiz.
Nunez couldn’t say enough about everything Ortiz has done for the Dominican Republic.
“He’s someone who’s opened so many doors for younger Dominican players and Latinos in general,” Nunez added. “He always advocates for the best for the Dominican Republic. For young Latinos, he’s always there offering you advice. He’s a very special person for all of us.”
Police have not yet said what the motive may have been. Ortiz has undergone multiple surgeries since Sunday night, when he was shot in the back and the bullet exited through his stomach. Video footage showed a man walking up behind him and shooting him while he sat at an outdoor table at a bar. Fortunately, Ortiz seems to be doing well and is expected to make a full recovery.
