Bogaerts welcomed back to Boston with standing ovation and video tribute

Bogaerts welcomed back to Boston with standing ovation and video tribute originally appeared in NBC Sports Boston

Boston Red Sox fans remembered the good old days during Friday night’s series opener against the San Diego Padres.

The matchup marked Xander Bogaerts’ first game at Fenway Park since he signed 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 rousing ovation from the Fenway Faithful. He acknowledged the crowd with the tip of his cap, as shown in the video below captured by Allison Edmonds of KUSI Sports:

Before the game, Bogaerts regretted not having had the opportunity to play against his former team due to a shoulder injury that had kept him sidelined since May 20.

“It sucks,” he said. “Because it’s one you’ve marked on your calendar, looking forward to. I was hoping I’d be available, but probably not. It sucks, but at least I’m here. I can still watch a baseball game. It’ll be different, but I mean, definitely looking forward to it.” by the atmosphere.”

Bogaerts was a four-time All-Star with Boston, racking up 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 contract with San Diego in free agency.