Nomar Garciaparra said his treatment by Red Sox Nation made him feel special. (AP)

Nomar Garciaparra appeared on the Dale & Holley show Wednesday morning to discuss his reasons for retiring, his next career as a member of the media (following a sometimes-frosty dynamic with reporters during his playing days) and the events that allowed him to resume a strong relationship with the Sox following a departure in 2004 that was, at times, acrimonious.

Highlights are transcribed below. To listen to the complete interview, click here.

How did you decide on this?

I said there was one uniform I would love to wear. I talked about this when I came to Fenway this past year with Oakland. I always had this recurring dream, to put on that uniform. It was the first uniform I’d worn, and I dreamt it would be my last. Today that dream comes through, thanks to Mr. Werner, Mr. Henry, Mr. Lucchino, Theo and the whole Red Sox organization. I can’t thank them enough for allowing me to fulfill that dream. My first dream came true in a Red Sox uniform, and that was playing in the big leagues. Another dream gets to come true as well, finishing my career and retiring as a member of the Red Sox.

There are so many emotions going through me right now as I try to take it all in, but I think the way Red Sox Nation — the fans — have just embraced me throughout my career, not only as a member of the Red Sox but after being a Red Sox as well, I can’t tell you how many times I had people come up and say, “Thank you. We love you. We appreciate you.” That has stuck. The feeling has always been mutual. Hopefully, with today, I really show them that I was sincere when I told them that the same feeling was always there and I love them just as much. Read the rest of this entry »