Following the same appreciative route as Amare Stoudemire upon his departure from Phoenix, Red Sox first baseman Adrian Gonzalez took out a full-page article in the San Diego Union-Tribune to thank Padres fans.
Emblazoned across the top of the page are the words "Thank You," followed by a full-page tribute to the fans, thanking them for their continued support while Gonzalez played and lived in San Diego.
"My wife Betsy and I have been fortunate to call the San Diego area home — both during childhood and the past five seasons with the Padres," the message read. "While my baseball career continues on the 'other' coast, family, friends, and Padres fans will remain close to our hearts."
Gonzalez grew up in San Diego, and was traded back to his hometown in 2006, after two years with the Texas Rangers. The three-time All-Star said playing in front of his hometown fans was a "dream come true," during his five years with the Padres.
The Adrian & Betsy Gonzalez Foundation will continue to prosper in San Diego, as Gonzalez and his wife will stay involved with their charity that empowers underprivileged children that reside in the San Diego-area.
To read the entire message from Gonzalez and his wife, please follow this link to the Boston.com report.
