Xander Bogaerts Honored in Boston: Game Highlights and Key Plays

San Diego Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts received a standing ovation from fans at Fenway Park on April 3, 2026, during his first game back in Boston as an active player. The reception took place during the home opener game against the Boston Red Sox.

Bogaerts was greeted with cheers when he was introduced prior to the start of the game. The crowd provided another standing ovation when he stepped to the plate for his first at-bat in the top of the first inning. In response to the sold-out crowd, Bogaerts tipped his helmet in a gesture of appreciation.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora commented on the scale of the reception for the former shortstop.

I tip my hat to the fans. That ovation for the shortstop over there, wow. That was probably the best [reception] out of all of [the ex-players] that have come back.

Alex Cora

The reaction from the Boston crowd reflected Bogaerts’ history with the franchise. During his tenure with the Red Sox, he was a four-time All-Star and a key contributor to the team’s World Series championships in 2013 and 2018. He concluded his time in Boston having played more games at the shortstop position than any other player in the history of the franchise.

Return to Fenway Park

This appearance on April 3, 2026, marked Bogaerts’ first game at Fenway Park since his departure following the 2022 season. While he had previously returned to Boston in 2024, he was on the injured list at that time and was unable to participate in the game. Although that 2024 visit included tributes from fans, it differed from the 2026 return as he was not an active player during the previous trip.

Now in his fourth year as a member of the Padres, Bogaerts expressed uncertainty regarding how he would be received upon his return. He stated, I don’t know. I hope [it’s positive], adding that because several years had passed, he hoped the fans would still remember him once his name was announced.

While observing the familiar surroundings of the visiting dugout, including the Green Monster and the distance to the infield, Bogaerts noted the raw conditions of the morning. He remarked, I don’t miss this weather. I can tell you that.

Despite the positive reception, Bogaerts acknowledged a sense of separation from the organization. In addition to the time that has passed since 2022, he noted that he has almost no remaining teammates from his tenure with the Red Sox.