New Red Sox right fielder Shane Victorino returned to his former home in Philadelphia to celebrate the first anniversary of the Shane Victorino Nicetown Boys & Girls Club.
Speaking to Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the former Phillie revealed that Boston was not his first choice heading into free agency. His first choice would have been a reunion in Philadelphia, where he spent eight years of his career.
"Oh yeah, absolutely,"said Victorino. "I focused on that. I wanted to come back. We kept in touch and informed them on what was going on and the opportunities I was getting. We gave them every last shot to give me an opportunity to come back. This was the place I wanted to be. But unfortunately it didn't work out."
Victorino did admit that Philadelphia would always be a special place for him.
"This will always be home for me," Victorino added. "No matter what."