Departing Red Sox GM Epstein thanks Boston in ad

BOSTON - Departing Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein has taken out a full-page ad in his hometown newspaper to thank Boston fans, the team's owners, players and others.

Epstein's ad in Sunday's Boston Globe appears as a letter titled, "10 Years, Two Championships, Countless Memories, Infinite Thanks."

The 37-year-old Epstein became president of baseball operations for the Chicago Cubs on Friday night.

The Brookline, Mass., native's ad cites Red Sox ownership for an "unwavering dedication to winning," and thanks former manager Terry Francona and others for their "tireless effort."

He also credited the fans, the "Fenway faithful" with the team's successes.

Epstein became the youngest GM in major league history when he was hired in 2002 at the age of 28. The team won two World Series during his tenure.

As CBSSports.com's Evan Brunell notes, Epstein's reputation hasn't suffered in Boston despite his departure.

Says Brunell: "He doesn't appear to be getting much flak for leaving, especially after Boston's 7-20 September dropped them out of the playoffs and sparked a firestorm largely centered around pitchers drinking beer during games."