After 5 Years, Number 5 Returns

Was there ever any doubt? Nomar Garciaparra received a long standing ovation from the soldout Fenway Park crowd on Monday, as he marked his first game in Boston since the trade in July 2004. It was one of those chills-down-your-spine moments, as Nomar came to the plate the crowd roared. And roared. It went on for about a minute. Nomar also applauded the fans back (I don't think I've ever seen a player do that). He was clearly touched by the reception, which as all right-thinking Red Sox fans knew would be something special. It's a shame to see such a great career go so far off the rails in five years. It was weird seeing a guy wearing #1 on the Oakland A's getting such a huge ovation. But Nomar will always be #5 in all our hearts. Great job tonight, Sox fans. Thanks for the memories, Nomar. The night would have really been something had the Red Sox offense had bothered to show up. The managed only two hits off some rookie named Brett Anderson in a putrid 6-0 los...