Los Angeles Dodgers Star Mookie Betts Gets Standing Ovation in Return to Fenway Park
Playing in front of the Boston Red Sox fans for the first time since 2019, Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts got a standing ovation at Fenway Park on Friday night.
There were some "boos" smattered in, but largely, the response was fitting for a player who started his career in Boston and spent six years with the Red Sox, helping them win a World Series in 2018.
Betts was traded before the 2020 season by Chaim Bloom in a package that brought back Alex Verdugo, Connor Wong and Jeter Downs, the latter of which isn't in the organization any more.
Before the game, Betts addressed his departure from Boston and his previous desire to stay.
The Dodgers won the game 7-4 as Betts went 1-for-4 with two runs scored and a walk. He's having an incredible year in Los Angeles, putting himself in the running for National League MVP. He's hitting .309 with 34 homers and 89 RBI. He's also stolen 10 bases and has posted a 1.009 OPS.
While with the Red Sox over six years, Betts won the 2018 MVP and the 2018 batting title. He was a multi-time All-Star and part of a great homegrown nucleus that included Dustin Pedroia, Jackie Bradley Jr., Rafael Devers and Andrew Benintendi.
After the win, the Dodgers are 79-48 on the season. They lead the National League West. The Red Sox dropped to 68-61 on the year and remain 3.5 games back of the third and final wild card spot in the American League.
The two teams will play again on Saturday at 4:10 p.m. ET.
Follow Fastball on FanNation on social media
Continue to follow our Fastball on FanNation coverage on social media by LIKING us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter @FastballFN.
You can also subscribe to "The Payoff Pitch" podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Check out more Boston Red Sox coverage at Sports Illustrated and FanNation's Inside the Red Sox.
