Memories all fond for Garciaparra
OAKLAND, Calif. - Nomar Garciaparra and Orlando Cabrera, forever linked in Red Sox history, finally met as teammates this winter. Both of them wearing Oakland A's uniforms in spring training, Garciaparra approached Cabrera. "It's about time we get to play together," he told him.
Garciaparra left Boston, of course, when the Red Sox landed Cabrera in the trade that sent Garciaparra to the Chicago Cubs and out of Boston for the first time in his career. It has been 4 1/2 years since Garciaparra played for the Sox. He played against them for the first time last night, batting fifth against the team that drafted him and with which he became one of baseball's best players.
Garciaparra went 1 for 4 with a solo home run to left off Jon Lester in the fifth inning, his first homer of the season. Jason Varitek reported that Garciaparra "said it was weird," to be facing the Red Sox.
Garciaparra signed a one-year contract with Oakland in early March, ending his three-season tenure with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He said if his career continues, he would welcome playing for Boston again.
"Oh, yeah, definitely," Garciaparra said. "I've always had tremendous memories there. I loved the city. My time there was just unbelievable. It's hard to describe. There will always be a place in my heart for that city and those fans. I loved every minute of it.
"But at the same time, I'm also proud to be wearing this uniform I have right now. I have so much respect. Oakland has a dear place for me. This is where I got my first hit, my first big league game."
Garciaparra had played only in the National League since the trade. He had a chance to play against the Sox once before, when they visited Wrigley Field in 2005, but he was on the disabled list.
Now that Garciaparra plays in the American League, only another injury could prevent his return to Fenway Park. The A's will travel to Boston for two series this season, the first beginning July 6.
"That'll be strange," Garciaparra said. "I look forward to it, just because of the fans and to see some old friends and everything. I always loved the fans and that city will always have a special place in my heart."
Garciaparra at his apex became the most beloved athlete in the city, the best shortstop in team history. In Boston, he forever will be the kid with the big nose and the funny name who tapped his toes, pulled on his batting gloves, threatened .400, and became one of Ted Williams's favorites.
"Boston loved him," said Red Sox reliever Manny Delcarmen, who was a 15-year-old in Hyde Park when Garciaparra won the 1997 Rookie of the Year Award. "Unfortunately, it didn't last as long as everyone thought it would."
Garciaparra is 35 now. He plays third base and first base, age and injury having taken away the range necessary for shortstop. In the four full seasons since the Red Sox traded him, Garciaparra has averaged 90 games a year and hit .287 with 44 home runs.
Garciaparra said he enjoys Oakland. The Bay area is beautiful to him, and he can see his West Coast-based family every night.
And he also can reminisce about 2004 with Cabrera. Garciaparra said he got to know Cabrera after the Red Sox won the World Series that year.
"The year after, it was like, 'Congratulations. Way to get me a ring. Thanks for all the calls during the World Series,' " Garciaparra said. "All the guys on the bus were calling me. I was rooting for those guys, for sure. I was hoping to get a ring myself."
Garciaparra said he still hears someone yell "No-mah!" almost each day. "You know Boston fans," he said. "They're everywhere, which is great.
"Gosh, it's a bunch of memories. I can't name just one. I always loved the way the fans are. They're always still so wonderful to me, even in the time I've been away from there, everywhere I go.
"That's what I love. It will always be a place that is in my life and in my heart."
Adam Kilgore can be reached at akilgore@globe.com 