The sports world is still trying to digest the shocking news out of the Dominican Republic late Sunday night.
Former Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz was shot in the back at point-blank range outside a bar in Santo Domingo, according to CDN News in the Dominican. Ortiz was transported to a hospital where he had surgery and is expected to make a full recovery, according to his father.
Hall of Fame pitcher Pedro Martinez, one of Ortiz's closest friends, was one of the first to offer prayers to Big Papi on Sunday night after hearing the news.
I'm at peace knowing you out of danger; you a strong man Compai, can't wait to hear your voice. My thoughts and prayers are with you, see you soon.
Me siento tranquilo de saber que estás fuera de peligro, usted es fuerte Compai, ya quiero oírle la voz. Orando, nos vemos pronto pic.twitter.com/jdSnNsM7eI — Pedro Martinez (@45PedroMartinez) June 10, 2019
Martinez joined several Boston sports stars of past and present -- including Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and Celtics legend Bill Russell -- to send their condolences to Ortiz, one of the most beloved figures in Boston sports.
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Papi defines Boston Strong... get well soon my friend!!! pic.twitter.com/QFFJ4nvQnU — Tom Brady (@TomBrady) June 10, 2019
Awaiting an update on @davidortiz being shot in his hometown in the DR. Our thoughts are with Tiffany and their entire family. Praying for a quick recovery! He does so much for so many @MLB @RedSox pic.twitter.com/w7zWr5neOz — TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) June 10, 2019
Sending positive thoughts to @davidortiz for a full and speedy recovery. @RedSox #davidortizstrong — Fred Lynn (@19fredlynn) June 10, 2019
Great to hear @davidortiz is stable and will make a full recovery. My heart sank when I heard the news. Prayers to him, Tiffany and the kids. — Mike Lowell (@mikelowell25) June 10, 2019
Please keep my man Big Papi @davidortiz in your prayers while he recovers from this senseless act of violence. Be strong big fella, we got you. — Tim Wakefield (@TimWakefield49) June 10, 2019
Prayers up @davidortiz ���� — Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) June 10, 2019
Despierto con la noticia de David. Me siento muy triste y estoy orando por su pronta recuperación. Waking up to the news of David, deeply saddens me.I'm praying for his speedy recovery. ������ — Al Horford (@Al_Horford) June 10, 2019
Stay strong Legend ..the world goin out sad — Terry Rozier (@T_Rozzay3) June 10, 2019
Prayers for my brother @davidortiz ������������...hearing all this news is so disheartening☹️ — Shane Victorino (@ShaneVictorino) June 10, 2019
Ortiz isn't just revered in Boston, and athletes and celebrities from across the country sent their support for the 43-year-old, including a former president.
Six years ago, David Ortiz's spirit and resolve helped us all begin to heal from the Boston Marathon bombing. Today, I want to join many others in wishing him a speedy recovery of his own. Get well soon, Papi. pic.twitter.com/9orpBgnVI5 — Barack Obama (@BarackObama) June 10, 2019
Pull through @davidortiz, pull through Big Papi ❤️❤️❤️ — Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) June 10, 2019
Thoughts and prayers with my friend David Ortiz. #BigPapi. pic.twitter.com/oVNHlxNY9L — Don Orsillo (@DonOrsillo) June 10, 2019
Thoughts and prayers going out to @davidortiz... ������������ — Mike Trout (@MikeTrout) June 10, 2019
Prayers up for my bro @davidortiz man. One of the best human beings I've ever met. Hate seeing that. Hoping for the best! ���� — Marcus Stroman (@MStrooo6) June 10, 2019
Praying for @davidortiz ������������ pic.twitter.com/cZDFTnOSSn — Edwin Diaz (@SugarDiaz39) June 10, 2019
Keeping @davidortiz in my prayers. God willing he will be okay and recover quick. �������� — Gleyber Torres (@TorresGleyber) June 10, 2019
All the prayers for @davidortiz right now ���� — Justin Turner (@redturn2) June 10, 2019
Ortiz was recovering at a hospital in Santo Domingo after surgery as of Monday morning, according to the Red Sox.
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