Big Papi Hits First Home Run of 2009

Red Sox Nation rejoiced this evening as David Ortiz hit his first home run of the 2009 season.

In 2006, Ortiz hit a career high 54 home runs. However, this season has been a struggle. Big Papi entered the game hitting .203 with 15 RBIs.

Ortiz's season reached its nadir a week ago when in a game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim he went 0-for-7, struck out three times and left 12 men on base.

He declined to talk to the media following the game apart from saying, "Big Papi Stink!!!"

My Dad says Ortiz misses Manny Ramirez. I say its his wrist. Big Papi missed a third of last season with a torn tendon. The wrists generate power and an injury like that will result in a decline in production.

Whatever the case, Sox manager Terry Francona rested him during the Sox three game series with the Seattle Mariners before returning to the lineup last night.

After 135 at bats, Ortiz finally connected in the 5th inning when he hit a home run to straight away center field off Blue Jays starter Brett Cecil in front of the Fenway faithful. The Sox won the game 8-3.

The $64.37 question is whether this will break the ice or if Ortiz will go back into the doldrums. Only time will tell. But at least Ortiz has the fans on his side. A lot of clutch hits and two World Series rings will endear to lot of people around here.

I will be attending my first Sox game of the year tomorrow. Maybe Big Papi has more where that came from.