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Red Sox World Series Champion Mookie Betts receives raucous ovation in return to Fenway

By Bryan Lambert, Boston 25 News Staff

Los Angeles Dodgers v Boston Red Sox BOSTON, MA - AUGUST 25: Mookie Betts #50 of the Los Angeles Dodgers smiles at former teammates before the game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on August 25, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) (Winslow Townson/Getty Images)

By Bryan Lambert, Boston 25 News Staff

BOSTON — Tied 4-4 with the Baltimore Orioles going into the final frame in the 2019 regular-season finale, Rafael Devers slapped a grounder a Baltimore fielder could only bat into right field. Like much of his Boston tenure, it was Betts leading the way, sprinting all the way from first base, crossing home with a slide and a simultaneous roar with the frenzied fans.

A lot has happened in between but on Friday, Betts once again brought the Fenway Faithful to their feet. Fans showered the 2018 Al MVP and World Series with a chorus of cheers and in his first appearance in Boston since the 2020 trade that shipped him to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The 30-year-old outfielder has added to his trophy case in Hollywood, helping the Dodgers win their first World Series in 32 years in 2020. Betts has been selected to the MLB All-Star Game each and every year in Dodgerland, aside from the COVID-shortened and ASG-less 2020 season.

Betts arrived in Boston touting the best slugging percentage and OPS in the National League. Already the proud owner of four Gold Gloves earned for patrolling Fenway’s unconventional outfield, Betts has played the outfield, second base and shortstop for the Dodgers this year, plugging holes for the defense every time a fielder has landed on the IL. If not for Ronald Acuna Jr,’s pursuit of MLB’s first 40-home run, 70-stolen base season, Betts would be the running favorite to join an illustrious and limited club of players who have been named MVP in both the AL and NL.

Whether Betts was always destined to finish his career in a non-Boston uniform or whether Red Sox ownership didn’t properly extend themselves to retain him has been a point of contention among fans since the franchise-altering trade. Betts has publicly denied ever being offered a 10-year, $300 contract by the Red Sox.

Betts signed a 12-year, $365,000,000 deal with the Dodgers in 2020.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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