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Papa Jack thanks Boston fans

Here's a statement from Sox hitting coach Ron "Papa Jack" Jackson concerning his firing on Monday:

I want to thank the Red Sox and all the fans of this great team. I will always cherish being a part of Boston’s long road back to the World Series and I loved watching the development and the hard work of the players during my time here in Boston.

During my tenure here in Boston, I was proud to be a part of one of the most explosive offenses in baseball, and Red Sox history. I am happy to say I was part of that. One of the most memorable things in Boston for me was working with the world-class hitters on this club, especially David Ortiz. Working with David and watching him train hard every day to develop into the player that he is today is something I will remember forever.

I am sure that Terry’s decision to move in a different direction without me is part of a logical plan to help the team get back on track to another World Series which the fans, the guys on the team, and the whole organization deserve.

Boston is a great sports city and I have every confidence the ownership and management will create a combination of players that will work together to win again.

Thank you for sharing some of these most important memories in life with me over the past four seasons. I will miss you all,

Ron “Papa Jack” Jackson

P.S. I want to make sure Tom Brady knows that, although I’m no longer with the Red Sox, I’ll always be his personal hitting coach and he can come take B.P. with me anytime.