MLB NEWS UPDATE: Justin Turner sents a Heartfelt Farewell Message To Red Sox Fans

Even though veteran infielder Justin Turner only played for the Boston Red Sox for one season, it felt like a lot longer to him.

Turner elected to stay in the American League East last week, as he signed a reported one-year contract worth $13 million with the Toronto Blue Jays, ending his time with the Red Sox.

But Turner leaves Boston with no bad emotions toward the Red Sox, and on Tuesday night he posted an emotional message on Instagram to thank the team for his experience.

Turner’s lengthy message can be read in its entirety here:
To Boston, kindly

Who thought that a child from Southern California and his spouse would be welcomed by a “rival city” in the same manner that we were in just eight short months? I had been with my hometown team for almost ten years when I signed my contract to become a Red Sox, so I wasn’t sure how tough the transition would be. Just by looking at the jersey number I was going to have on my back, we nearly had a terrible start. I pledged to wear the #2 with honour and make the late great Jerry “RemDawg” Remy proud, even though I was aware of how much it meant to the Boston base.
I was instantly overcome with love and support from the entire city, though, after taking a fastball to the face. I knew I would adore calling Fenway Park my home the moment I went into the box for my first game—opening day vs. the Orioles—to Augustana. No matter who was in town, what day of the week it was, or whether it was actually pouring (such a wet summer, right?), the fans’ energy was contagious every single night. Being in the same box as Ted Williams, Jimmie Foxx, Jim Rice, Nomahhhh, Big Papi, and The Laser Show, to name a few, was a “pinch me” moment since so many amazing players have called Fenway Park home. But what really makes that place unique are you, the fans.

Kourt and I cherished our time as Bostonians and our travels to New England with Moon and Rigby. Our yearly 5K Turner Trot, which finishes at The Hatch and offers breathtaking vistas along the Charles River, received a resounding amount of support. Walking the dogs around the city to different parks and reservoirs was our favourite activity, and everyone made us feel welcome. We were able to establish so many wonderful contacts in such a short period of time that it is almost absurd. Though I don’t want to take the chance of leaving someone out, I really want to list everyone. I would like to express my gratitude to all the members of the Red Sox organization for not only facilitating the transfer but also for making Boston feel like a second home.