It’s certainly not for the reason you’re expecting.  It’s not because Ortiz is full of game winning drama night after night.  This is, after all, the 2009 regular season.  Not October 2004. 

Quite honestly, Papi’s at bats in 2009 borderline on unwatchable.  He’s looked awful.  And that’s being kind about it.  Red Sox fans filling Fenway every night and watching on TV have a hard time dealing with this.  Many have called for his benching.  Many have called for a big trade to replace his bat.  Many say Francona finally dropping Papi in the batting order was too llate.

It has been an awkward, sometimes uncomfortable time to be a fan of Big Papi.  Yet fans of his we remain.  And our continued support every night in Fenway appears to be unconditional.  We are now watching his at bats not with the expectation of heroic greatness, but with the hope for a glimpse, even just a tiny glimpse, of the swing that holds the power.  The swing that brings the Big Papi smiles with it.

David Ortiz at bats at Fenway have evolved and found their way to exist as total lovefests.  And he deserves all of it.  This is, after all, the man who has given us so much.  The man who provided so much magic.  Helped bring two championships to Boston.  “The Greatest Clutch Hitter in Red Sox History”

Papi has now hit three home runs this season.  All 3 have been at Fenway Park.  The first one got him a much deserved curtain call.  When he hit his second, Fenway screamed for more and Francona pushed him out for yet another curtain call.  I began to wonder…is Papi going to get a curtain call for every home run he hits at Fenway this year?  And after he hit a 2 run center field BOMB against the Yankees last night, I’m convinced this is indeed the case. 

And I love it.  But I also have a theory as to why this is happening.  Fenway understands that we’re watching the last days of the David Ortiz.  Quite honestly, the Ortiz era may have ended in October 2007.  Yeah, we’re afraid to admit it, but you can not deny that the Ortiz era will certainly end one day.  The only question is when.

We’re hoping that its not just yet.  Ortiz Fenway at bats are must see TV because Fenway is simultaneously showing thanks while also trying to “will” one last summer out of Big Papi.  Every home run he hits at Fenway could be his last and they are to be appreciated and celebrated with a curtain call all season long.