A chilling video showing the moment David Ortiz was shot during an attempted armed robbery in the Dominican Republic capital of Santo Domingo has emerged online.
The incident happened on Sunday in Dial's disco, a popular nightclub in the city, and resulted in the 43-year-old- nicknamed Big Papi- being hospitalized after he was hit in the back.
Since the shooting six people have been arrested in what was thought to be a planned murder to collect an $8,000 bounty placed on Ortiz's head.
Ortiz was rushed to hospital and is now recovering from surgery. He is said to be making good progress.
The video captured shows people sitting in the outdoor area of the busy nightclub, including Ortiz and his friend, local TV presenter Jhoel Lopez.
A man walking down the street suddenly pulls out a gun and shoots towards Ortiz, leading to a terrified reaction from those present as they jump from their seats in fear.
As he was hospitalized Ortiz is reported to have pleaded with doctors to save his life , saying: "Please do not let me die; I am a good man."
The bullet exited through his stomach but after surgeons in a local hospital operated for six hours to repair his wounds he was well enough to fly to Boston on Monday before further surgery.
Lopez was also injured in the attack but is thought to be recovering well.
Ortiz helped Boston win a first World Series title in 86 years in 2004 and also played for Minnesota Twins.
News of the attack prompted an outpouring of well-wishers on Twitter , with baseball fans from far and wide showing their support.
One tweeted: "I swear to God if someone takes David Ortiz away from me I’m gonna go ballistic. Please Big Papi. You can pull through."
Another said: "Big time prayers for David Ortiz. I love that guy even though he was a thorn in my side when he played against the Yankees."
