The Los Angeles Dodgers beginning a three-game series with the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park marked the first time Mookie Betts returned to Fenway Park as a visiting player since being traded in February 2020.
After the Red Sox selected Betts in the fifth round of the 2011 MLB Draft, he rose through their Minor League system and ultimately spending six seasons with the team. He played 794 career games with the Red Sox, posting a collective .893 on-base plus slugging percentage to go along with 139 home runs, 470 RBI and a 134 OPS+.
Betts’ play earned him a trophy case of accolades, including three Silver Slugger Awards, four Gold Gloves, four All-Star Game selections, American League MVP Award and World Series title in 2018.
Amid failed contract extension talks, Red Sox traded Betts to the Dodgers. Betts has since become a pillar with his new team, helping them win their first World Series since 1988, and is currently pushing for his second career MVP.
"Now batting, number 50, Mookie Betts."
For the first time since September 30, 2019, @MookieBetts returns to Fenway Park. pic.twitter.com/1QuDE0n3Lc
— MLB (@MLB) August 25, 2023
Prior to first pitch on Friday, the Red Sox honored Betts with a tribute video, highlighting the countless big moments he was a part of during his time in Boston. Betts then received a standing ovation when announced for his first at-bat.
With a packed Fenway Park on a cloudy, rainy day, Red Sox fans provided a thundering roar of applause for their former All-Star. Betts previously discussed how nervous he was when thinking about returning, mainly because of how long it had been since he wore the Red Sox uniform.
Although he spent just a few seasons with the Red Sox, Kiké Hernández also makes his return to Fenway Park this weekend. Hernández expressed his level of excitement in playing in front of Red Sox fans after a rushed goodbye ended his tenure that was filled with some huge postseason moments in recent years.
Mookie Betts making a case for second career MVP
Entering play Friday, Betts led MLB with an fWAR of 7.0 while batting .310/.405/.605. He’s currently on pace to break career highs in home runs, runs scored and RBI.
National media began to pickup on Betts’ rise to the top of fWAR leaderboards during the month of August, as he’s slugged his way to a 1.334 OPS thus far.
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