BOSTON — Cam Booser experienced quite a memorable weekend in Boston, despite the White Sox falling 4-2 to the Red Sox on Monday morning, resulting in just one win out of four games at Fenway Park and a 5-17 overall record. The southpaw reliever threw scoreless innings on both Saturday and Sunday, reducing his ERA to 2.00 in his inaugural year with the White Sox.

Booser’s last seven appearances have all been scoreless, with the most recent four against his former team, the Red Sox. Before Saturday’s defeat, Booser was honored with the 2024 Tony Conigliaro Award by the Red Sox. This accolade, established in 1990, is awarded to a Major Leaguer who has triumphed over adversity, embodying the spirit, determination, and courage that Tony C. was renowned for. Booser cherished the recognition, just as he valued his time with the Red Sox.

“Being associated with someone like that is truly indescribable,” Booser expressed. “It’s a tremendous privilege, and I am grateful to the Red Sox for choosing me. It’s a bittersweet occasion. I’m trying to embrace it, but it’s impossible not to feel nostalgic. It’s great to be here, yet I wear a different jersey now, with different objectives in mind.”

Before Booser could concentrate on winning, he needed to reach the Majors. MLBcom’s Ian Browne detailed this journey when the 32-year-old Booser joined the Red Sox last year, posting a 3.38 ERA over 43 games. He had retired from baseball on November 17, 2017, following challenges including Tommy John surgery, labrum surgery, a fractured back from a biking accident, and a 50-game suspension for marijuana use.

He navigated through the Independent baseball circuit, including a stint in 2021 with the Chicago Dogs in Rosemont, Ill., near his current home at Rate Field. When the Red Sox offered him a chance in 2023, he endured a difficult month with a 9.58 ERA for Triple-A Worcester in April. Thus, it’s no surprise that when Booser isn’t tasked with retiring Red Sox batters, he wishes them well on the field. “I hold nothing but affection and respect for every player on that team and each individual in that organization. It was wonderful to see them.

I wish them the best in the future,” Booser remarked. “They took a chance on a 30-year-old coming out of Indy ball. No one else did. They offered me an opportunity no one else would, and during the first month of my tenure with them, when I experienced one of the worst months in professional baseball, they stood by me. They provided the tools and confidence to stay true to myself. Last year, they gave me a chance at 31 to fulfill my dream. So I harbor no animosity, no resentment. Just respect for that organization.”

His time in Independent ball influenced Booser to start meal prepping, a practice he continues on the road. And what’s on his travel menu? “Pretty much the same every day,” Booser shared. “Rice, and a mixture of ground beef and organs.” Organs? Indeed, organs. “Kidney, heart, liver,” Booser specified. “I learned about the benefits of consuming bovine organs and decided to try it, so I’ve been doing it for a couple of years now. A lot of stores in major cities stock them, making them easy to find. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it to others. I’ve found something that works for me, but I don’t advise others to follow my routine.”

This regimen clearly benefits Booser, who has emerged as either the White Sox closer or a crucial late-inning option. His journey began with the Red Sox, making this weekend’s return particularly significant. His time there also garnered national attention, with his major league call-up featured in an episode of “The Clubhouse: A Year with the Red Sox” on Netflix.