Jonathan Papelbon is back to being Jonathan Papelbon
How long did it take you to figure out this story is about former Boston Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon?
There were roughly 1,000 things that could have given it away. The fact it was a Savannah Bananas game was clue No. 1 for anyone who follows Pap on Twitter. Bringing a — replica, presumably — World Series trophy was clue No. 2. The kilt? Well that just straight up gave it away.
Papelbon, a 2007 World Series champion with the Red Sox, made an appearance for the Savannah Bananas this weekend. Fittingly, he came out to his Red Sox entrance song “Shipping Up To Boston” by the Dropkick Murphys with the trophy in hand before pitching a scoreless final inning — obviously.
The 41-year-old, last having pitched in 2016, has technically never retired. Could a comeback be in store? Probably not but it’s nice seeing him have his unofficial retirement. Who’s next up for the Bananas? If Papelbon had his way, Johnny Damon.
Never change Pap.