Bogaerts welcomed his return to Boston with a standing ovation and a video tribute Originally appeared in NBC Sports Boston
Boston Red Sox fans reminisced about the good old days during Friday night’s series opener against the San Diego Padres.
The matchup marked Xander Bogaerts’ first game back at Fenway Park since signing with the San Diego Padres in December 2022. The veteran shortstop spent the first 10 seasons of his career in Boston and helped the Red Sox win World Series titles in 2013 and 2018.
Bogaerts was welcomed back with a video tribute and a standing ovation from the Fenway faithful. He greeted the crowd with a wave of his cap, as shown in the following video captured by Allison Edmonds of KUSI Sports:
Before the match, Bogaerts regretted not having had the chance to play against his former team due to a shoulder injury that has kept him out since May 20.
“It sucks,” he said. “Because it’s one you had circled on your calendar, looking forward to. I was hoping maybe it would be available, but it probably won’t. It sucks, but at least I’m here. I can still watch a baseball game. It’ll be different, but I mean, I’m definitely looking forward to the atmosphere.”
Bogaerts was a four-time All-Star with Boston, amassing 1,410 hits and 156 home runs with an .814 OPS in 1,264 games, the most games ever played by a Red Sox shortstop.
The 31-year-old’s time with the Red Sox came to an end after failed contract negotiations in 2022. He ended up signing an 11-year, $280 million deal with San Diego in free agency.
