Mookie Betts is one of the most electric players in the MLB, and it’s a continued bewilderment that he got traded by the Boston Red Sox in the prime of his career.
The Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder made his grand return to Fenway Park on Friday night, the first time he had played in Boston since being traded in 2020 to L.A. in one of the most scrutinized baseball trades of all time.
Of course, the move more than worked out for Betts as he won a World Series with Los Angeles later that year. The Red Sox, however, have struggled to replace one of the game’s best players.
Although, there are still plenty of warm feelings for Betts in Boston, and Red Sox fans gave him a hero’s welcome in his first trip back to Fenway.
"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
I mean, how can you not get emotional about this? Betts’ clearly moved reaction to the tribute just cements this as one of the coolest moments of the MLB season so far.
Even if he’s a Dodger, there is still plenty of love for Betts in the city where his professional career started.
MLB fans had plenty of emotions from this tribute.
Beautiful by Boston fans (and players and manager)! https://t.co/St1cQDElKk
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 25, 2023
“How can you not be romantic about baseball?” https://t.co/VW4p0IQjtG
— Will Rasky (@WillRasky) August 26, 2023
Thank you, Mookie https://t.co/hnK4sttZxC
— Jonathan Lemire (@JonLemire) August 25, 2023
I’m so happy to see Sox fans give Mookie the love and respect he deserves at Fenway. Still cannot believe the front office was willing to part with him. What a bonehead move. Our gain here in L.A. though! https://t.co/CtVXWM2pPB
— Jackie Pepper ✊🏽☮️🌊😷 (@Jackie_Pepper) August 26, 2023
Mookie should’ve been a Red Sox for life. https://t.co/82bTSjXHfP
— Randy Wilkins (@pamsson) August 25, 2023
I love Mookie Betts and I’m furious at a combination of Dave Dombrowski, Chaim Bloom and most of all John Henry that this is even a thing https://t.co/xoIsTA0AHy
— Dan Jalbert (@DanJalbert1) August 25, 2023
Well this is rad – Boston doesn’t deserve you Mookie but cool to see https://t.co/AOu4Vyr0sl
— Blake Whitney (@BlakeEWhitney) August 26, 2023
I’ve had trouble getting enthusiastic about going to Fenway let alone following/rooting for the Sox since this move. It still hurts. Mookie is a treasure. https://t.co/9mOK10d47r
— shep (@oldmangrunts) August 26, 2023
Great job Fenway https://t.co/Urc1kn68Bc
— James Stewart ☝️ (@IAmJamesStewart) August 25, 2023
Awesome moment for an awesome person. @mookiebetts https://t.co/hbI6bfdvZ5
— EJ Aguado (@ejaguado) August 26, 2023
Miss you Mookie! Love the Cora clap and the boyish grin on Devers too https://t.co/3vGoUq6zII
— Yianni Kourakis (@WPBF_Yianni) August 26, 2023
Mookie is literally the best. Imagine trading a player – a human – like that. https://t.co/L6IjBtvVAX
— Timothy Brooks (@pastortimbrooks) August 25, 2023
This made me sad and angry simultaneously. Tears to me eyes. Thank you, @mookiebetts. https://t.co/Ys9shMoWUW
— BT (@BTHoops12) August 25, 2023
Glad they gave Mookie a standing ovation. 👏🏽 https://t.co/XlZfS4zQEt
— Jeremy (@JKMJXH3) August 26, 2023
What a moment 👏🏻 https://t.co/PWkRwCHRXs
— Baseball Isn’t Boring (@BBisntBoring) August 25, 2023
I have chills, I wasn’t expecting that.
And Raffy looking on and cheering for him? Man. This video is cool. https://t.co/mNsTLJ9W2Q
— serena (@nyyserena) August 25, 2023
