Napoli grateful for warm reception in Boston

BOSTON — Mike Napoli only spent three seasons in Boston, but the first baseman has a World Series ring, forever endearing him to Red Sox fans. Now with the Indians, Napoli felt that appreciation when he received a standing ovation from the Fenway Park crowd Friday night.

Following a video tribute of Napoli’s days with the Red Sox, the first baseman stepped out of the visitors’ dugout and doffed his cap during the warm reception.

“That was really cool for me,” said Napoli, who won a World Series with Boston in 2013. “They’ve always done a great job with that kind of stuff. It was a cool moment. I always loved this place. I love the people, the fans, the city. I had a great, great time when I played here.”

Indians manager Terry Francona has told the story many times. When Cleveland was looking into signing Napoli over the offseason, the manager spoke with Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia, who is good friends with Napoli and played for Francona in Boston. Pedroia raved about Napoli, and that carried weight in Francona’s mind.

“He reached out to me,” Francona said. …

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