BOSTON — Rafael Devers played his first game back in Boston Friday night since he was traded to the San Francisco Giants last summer. The former Sox slugger played nine seasons with the Red Sox.
The Fenway faithful booed Devers each time he stepped into the batter’s box. He was the designated hitter and did not play in the field.
Fans outside the ballpark had mixed reactions to fans booing him during each at bat.
“He did a lot for our city, but I hate him. He’s not a team player. He’s selfish,” Red Sox fan Julian said. “He cared more about his personal goals so unfortunately there’s bad blood with him.”
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Fans cheered loud when Devers struck out in the first inning. He went on to hit a home run in the fourth inning.
“He deserves to get booed. I don’t care what you did here. After you left, you’re not Red Sox anymore,” Julian added.
The team played a video highlight on the big screen after the first inning. That was the only time fans supporting Devers drowned out any boos.
“I’m really happy to see him back, he’s a great player,” one fan said. “From Boston, it makes sense, but I wouldn’t do it personally.” I would have cheered for him. Good to see him back."
Although the boos mostly drowned out any positive cheers or yells, many Sox fans said they didn’t think Devers deserved to be booed.
“The team should have given him something. If they didn’t that would be super wrong,” Sox fan Aiden said. “I feel he did a lot for the city. Won a World Series in 2018 and did a lot for us.”
The Red Sox beat the Giants 6-4 Friday night. Game two in this series begins Saturday night at Fenway Park.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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