Former President Obama is sending well wishes to David Ortiz after the former Boston Red Sox star was injured in a shooting.
Ortiz was shot Sunday at a nightclub in Santo Domingo, according to authorities in his native Dominican Republic. The 43-year-old former first baseman was reportedly in stable condition Monday following surgery after being shot in the back and through his stomach.
On Monday, Obama shared an image on Twitter of him smiling alongside Ortiz — nicknamed "Big Papi" — from years earlier:
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 ObamaBarack Hussein ObamaWhy is Joe Biden dodging the public and the press? Here's who Biden is now considering for budget chief Pentagon issues report revealing ex-White House doctor 'belittled' subordinates, violated alcohol policies MORE (@BarackObama) June 10, 2019
In 2014, Obama welcomed Ortiz and the rest of the Red Sox, the 2013 World Series champions, to a ceremony at the White House. Ortiz presented Obama with a "44" Sox jersey and was seen snapping a selfie with the then-commander in chief.
During the ceremony, Obama gave a shout-out to Ortiz, saying, "Love this guy," and credited the team with helping the city "to heal" after the previous year's deadly Boston Marathon bombing.
"Even a White Sox fan," Chicago-raised Obama said with a laugh, "can appreciate these guys."
