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Kapler returns to Fenway this weekend with the Brewers

MLB. Fenway Park has long been a haven for gritty ballplayers and cult heroes, and one of Boston’s most beloved will make his triumphant return this weekend.

Gabe Kapler — or Gabe the Babe, as he was known to legions of fans within Pink Hat Nation when he was with the Sox from 2003 through 2006 — left behind a job managing a Red Sox minor-league team this season and signed with the Milwaukee Brewers as a free agent.

There were unsubstantiated reports of ruffled feathers within the Red Sox organization when the intense Kapler left managing behind after a period of contemplation, but Sox GM Theo Epstein had nothing but positives when asked about his former Single-A Greenville Drive skipper.

“Gabe was a valuable role player for us, but he was also a great teammate and important part of our clubhouse,” wrote Epstein in an e-mail. “He and we thought managing in our system was a great landing spot for him, but it turned out to be just part of the journey.  We will always wish him the best.”

As injuries mounted for the Brewers at the start of the season, the 32-year-old began the year as one of the Brew Crew’s hottest hitters, a sure testament to both his athleticism and feverish attention to his physical conditioning. He’s since reverted back to fourth outfielder status, but that shouldn’t dampen the greeting he’ll get Friday night from ex-teammates and fans.

“To have the start he’s had [with the Brewers] after not playing for a year is a testament to what a great athlete he is,” said Sox catcher Jason Varitek. “I’m just excited because I think the fans should really go bananas when they see him come back.”

The Muscle & Fitness Magazine coverboy is hitting .273 with four homers and 13 RBI — greater total offensive production than Sox third baseman Mike Lowell this season. But is remembered best around Sox quarters for the unflinching warrior spirit and compassionate manner he carried with him to the Sox clubhouse each and every day.

Kapler would sit on the bench for days — and sometimes weeks — on end, and then compete with a palpable gusto on the basepaths, in the outfield and in the batter’s box whenever his opportunities arose. Kapler’s best season with the Sox came in 2004 when he hit .272 with six home runs and 33 RBI and clearly injected his intensity into the team’s overall makeup. 

“He is my all-time favorite teammate, and one of my favorite people to play baseball with,” said Varitek, who formed a tight bond with players like Kapler, Kevin Millar and Johnny Damon during Boston’s first World Series title run.

“I love the way he plays and attacks the game. He’s just Kap. The only thing that’s tough is that I hope he doesn’t play well until the next series.”