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Baseball star David Ortiz has been shot in the back in a bar in his native Dominican Republic.

Local media say he was shot and wounded in Dial's disco, in the capital Santo Domingo.

It was initially reported that he was hit in the leg, but later sources said he was shot in the back and the bullet exited through his stomach.

Footage on Twitter appeared to show the alleged shooter being apprehended and beaten by locals.

Ortiz was taken to the Comprehensive Medical Center. A TV presenter named Jhoel Lopez was also wounded with the gunman arrested in the same place.

After an operation Ortiz's father told media that the bullet missed vital organs and he is recovering well.

(Image: Getty Images) (Image: Reuters)

Ortiz is said to be in a stable condition but the center are appealing for B+ blood to be donated, and are asking for anyone able to help to come forward.

He has been reportedly shot between the left side of the lower back and left through the abdomen.

A doctor in emergency room says that Ortiz said: "Please do not let me die; I am a good man."

Ortiz, 43, - known as Big Papi - played for the Boston Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins before retiring in 2016.

During his 14 seasons with the Red Sox he was an All-Star ten times and a three-time World Series Champion.

Camera footage captured the horrifying moment when Ortiz and his friend Jhoel Lopez heard the shots and jumped from their seats.

Dominican Republic police said the incident happened during a robbery. No further details of his condition are yet known.

Ortiz's father told ESPN: "They called me to tell me that David is injured and that they took him to a medical center, but they did not tell me how he is or exactly where he was transferred."

The Boston Red Sox do not yet have any information on what happened, but sports fans were quick to lend their support.

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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."

Diane Pats wrote: "Prayers for David Ortiz he was shot in the leg in the attempted robbery in the Dominican Republic is suspect has been arrested!

"C'Mon Bruins win this for Big Papi!"

After initially signing for the Seattle Mariners in 1992, Ortiz made his name playing six seasons for the Minnesota Twins.

He signed for the Red Sox in 2003 and became 'one of the greatest designated hitters the game has ever seen'.

He helped the side end their 86-year World Series drought in 2004 and also took them to the title in 2007 and 2013.

The latter victory was months after the infamous Boston bombing, where three died.

(Image: Getty Images)

After the victory Ortiz paid tribute to the city's law enforcement officers after being handed the microphone at the trophy presentation.

The slugger known as 'Big Papi' said: "Should I keep it clean?," he asked, before adding: "This is our - beeeep - city!

"I want to say: This is for you, Boston. You guys deserve it.

"We've been through a lot this year and for all of you and the families who struggled with the bombing earlier this year - this is for you.

"I want to thank God. We had a tough time, with the situation we all went through, and thanks to Him we kept ourselves together and here we are enjoying this time.

"I want to thank the best fans in the world. I'm so proud to play for this city.

"I want to thank my team-mates - you guys are legit. I knew it was going to be a special year and when we started rolling, nobody ever stopped the train."