Pat Burrell had his fair share of ups and downs in his eight years with the Phillies, and heard his fair share of boos. But he heard nothing but adulation Friday night as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays.

The last time Burrell was before a Philadelphia crowd, he was the leader of a World Championship parade before two million forever appreciative fans.

Before he signed with the Rays, Burrell had no idea they were scheduled to play the Phillies.

“They told me, ‘We got two exhibition games in Philly,’ ” said Burrell. “I said, ‘You got to be kidding me.’ I couldn’t believe it. . . . Ever since I found out we were coming up here I’ve been looking forward to it.”

Even though he signed with the Phillies’ World Series opponent this offseason, Friday night was all about Pat. At the gate, the Phillies handed out pictures of Burrell’s final hit, a double in Game 5b of the World Series. Before the game started, a video tribute was played, commemorating his tenure as a Phillie.

Burrell watched the video from the visitor’s dugout, a decidedly new view for a guy who was the longest tenured Phillie on the team.

“I’ve thought about it,” Burrell said of the reception before the game.  “The thing in Clearwater was pretty cool,” he said. “I didn’t expect that. I’ve seen Scott Rolen come in here a couple of times.”

Burrell’s departure from Philadelphia was decidedly different than Rolen’s. Burrell wanted to stay in Philly, Rolen wanted out more than anything in the world; Pat was a class act, taking out an ad in the Philadelphia Inquirer and the Philadelphia Daily News thanking the fans for all their support, Rolen badmouthed everything about the Phillies as he burned every possible bridge on his way out; when Burrell got booed, he used it as motivation to work harder, Rolen used it as a reason to whine.

“I think for the most part it’s been a pretty good relationship, even the years where I didn’t play well,” Burrell said. “I can remember the one time I pinch-hit and hit a double and they decided to give a standing ovation.

“The game was completely out of reach, it didn’t mean anything. But they were pulling for me. I have a lot of respect for the fans here.”

It was an emotional night, for both Burrell and the fans. When he came up to bat in the first inning, the Phillies’ faithful gave him another standing ovation, and Burrell was clearly overwhelmed with emotion. While digging into the box, he was seen on the jumbotron as taking several deep breaths, trying to calm himself. For Phillies fans, myself included, it was weird to see Pat in navy blue. It was weird to hear Phillies PA announcer Dan Baker announce, “Now batting, Phillies leftfielder, Raul Ibanez.” I will admit, I got choked up.

Burrell will be missed, by fans and teammates alike.

We’re going to miss Pat,” Phils manager Charlie Manuel said. “If he had to leave, I’m glad he’s in the American League. At the same time, life goes on for Pat and it goes on for the Phillies.”

Burrell will receive one last send off, as well as another opportunity for fans to show their appreciation. The Rays open their season in Boston against the Red Sox. However, since they play a night game on Wednesday, Burrell will be able to attend the Phillies’ Ring Ceremony before their game against the Braves.

A fitting sendoff to a class act. Thanks for the memories.