NEW : `` It 's been a great homecoming , '' Merrill Newman says upon arrival in San Francisco . The former Giants outfielder was traded to the Dodgers on July 31 for pitcher Josh Beckett and infielder Matt Kemp. The 85-year-old was detained in North Korea in October , issued a public apology . State news reports Newman was released for `` humanitarian '' reasons .
NEW : `` It 's been a great homecoming , '' Merrill Newman says upon arrival in San Francisco . Video shows Newman smiling as he walks through Beijing 's airport . The 85-year-old was detained in North Korea in October , issued a public apology . State news reports Newman was released for `` humanitarian '' reasons .