BALTIMORE (AP) — Baltimore first baseman Trey Mancini was given a standing ovation when introduced Thursday before the Orioles home opener and again before his first home at-bat following treatment for colon cancer. The 29-year-old was diagnosed during spring training last year and missed the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. Boston players applauded during the ovation and Mancini tipped his batting helmet in appreciation.

Welcome home, @TreyMancini 🧡#F16HT pic.twitter.com/nxFwljpga4

— Baltimore Orioles 😷 (@Orioles) April 8, 2021

He grounded into a forceout, beating the relay throw to avoid a double play as part of a 1-for-4 afternoon. “It was amazing. I think it’s well-documented at this point what I went though and what it took to get back to playing,” Mancini said. “It meant the world to me. Even though it was like 25% capacity, it felt like a full stadium out there, and I had goosebumps thinking about it.” Mancini said he teared up when he heard the initial ovation. “That’s probably what will stay with me the most,” he said. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports