In a charged moment at Fenway Park, Boston Red Sox legend David Ortiz, affectionately known as “Big Papi,” publicly criticized a group of fans for what he deemed “rude” behavior after they displayed a provocative banner during a game against the Oakland Athletics. The banner, which read “Racism is as American as Baseball,” was directed at Aroldis Chapman, the Cuban-born pitcher who recently signed with the Red Sox. The incident, which led to the ejection of four fans, sparked a heated response from Ortiz and left Chapman visibly emotional, reigniting discussions about race, fandom, and the culture of baseball in Boston.

The event unfolded in the fourth inning when the banner appeared over the Green Monster, Fenway’s iconic left-field wall. The message was a pointed statement, referencing past incidents of racial tension at the ballpark, including a 2017 episode where Baltimore Orioles outfielder Adam Jones reported racial slurs and a bag of peanuts thrown at him. Ortiz, speaking to TMZ Sports after the game, didn’t mince words. He described the fans’ actions as inappropriate, stating, “You don’t wanna add more s–t to the s–t that is already out there.” His 10-word rebuke underscored his frustration with what he saw as a misguided attempt to bring real-world protests into the game, potentially overshadowing the sport’s unifying spirit. Ortiz, a Dominican-American icon who has long been a symbol of resilience in Boston, argued that such displays risk sending the wrong message and fueling division rather than fostering dialogue.

Aroldis Chapman, who joined the Red Sox in late 2024 after defecting from Cuba over a decade ago, was deeply affected by the banner. The 37-year-old pitcher, known for his blazing fastball and nicknamed “The Cuban Missile,” has been a polarizing figure in baseball due to his high-profile career and past controversies. Reflecting on the incident, Chapman shared his emotions during a post-game interview, saying, “I came here to play baseball, to give my all for this team. Seeing that banner… it hurts, you know? I just want to focus on the game.” His words revealed the personal toll of the moment, as he navigated the complex intersection of his identity as a Cuban immigrant and his role as a professional athlete in a city with a fraught history of racial issues.

The banner’s appearance wasn’t an isolated act. According to a group member involved, as reported by ESPN, it was a coordinated effort by eight individuals from various Boston-area racial justice organizations. They aimed to highlight ongoing issues of racism in baseball, specifically referencing the 2017 Adam Jones incident. “We wanted to make a statement about the persistent challenges players of color face, even today,” the group member explained. However, their message was met with swift consequences, as Fenway’s strict policy against unauthorized signs led to the fans’ ejection. Red Sox President Sam Kennedy issued a formal apology to Chapman and the Athletics, emphasizing that “no player should be subjected to this kind of treatment at Fenway Park.”

Boston’s relationship with race in sports has long been complicated. The city, often celebrated for its passionate sports culture, has faced criticism for incidents that expose underlying tensions. Ortiz himself addressed this in a 2017 YouTube interview with ESPN, noting that while he personally hadn’t experienced racism at Fenway, he hoped MLB would take stronger measures to protect players. His perspective carries weight, given his status as a beloved figure who helped break the Red Sox’s 86-year World Series drought in 2004 and delivered a unifying speech after the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. On that April day, Ortiz famously declared, “This is our f–king city,” rallying a grieving city with a message of defiance and unity. That moment cemented his legacy as more than a baseball player—a cultural touchstone for Boston.

The contrast between Ortiz’s 2013 speech and his reaction to the banner incident highlights his nuanced view of Fenway’s fanbase. While he has often praised Red Sox fans for their loyalty, calling them “the best fans worldwide” in a 2025 Sports Illustrated interview, he’s also been candid about the need for accountability. His criticism of the banner wasn’t a dismissal of the broader issue of racism but rather a call for a different approach. Ortiz suggested that protests within the ballpark can distract from the game’s purpose, potentially alienating players like Chapman who are already under intense scrutiny. His comments sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with some fans supporting his stance and others arguing the banner was a necessary wake-up call.

For Chapman, the incident added another layer to his journey with the Red Sox. Since signing with the team, he has impressed with his work ethic, earning praise from Ortiz for his early-morning gym sessions. In a February 2025 interview with Pro Football Network, Ortiz lauded Chapman’s dedication, saying, “That guy’s commitment is something we need. He’s out there at 8 a.m., setting the tone.” Chapman’s performance on the mound—boasting a 1.00 ERA and a .115 batting average against in 54 innings, as noted in an MLB post on X—has been stellar, making the banner incident a jarring contrast to his contributions. Yet, it also underscored the challenges he faces as a high-profile Latino player in a predominantly white sport.

The fallout from the banner incident has prompted broader questions about how sports venues like Fenway can balance free expression with respect for players. The Red Sox organization, aware of its historical baggage, has taken steps to address these issues, including diversity initiatives and stricter enforcement of fan conduct policies. However, as Hartford Courant columnist Frank Harris III noted in 2017, the problem of racism in sports isn’t unique to Boston. “It’s not just about ‘ours’ vs. ‘theirs,’” Harris wrote, pointing to the inconsistency of fans who cheer for their team’s players of color while targeting opponents with slurs. This dynamic was evident in the banner’s targeting of Chapman, a newcomer to the Red Sox, rather than a rival.

As the dust settles, Ortiz’s voice remains a powerful force in shaping the narrative. His ability to connect with fans, as seen in his emotional return to Fenway in 2019 after surviving a gunshot wound, underscores his deep bond with Boston. That night, as reported by MLB.com, he thanked the crowd for their prayers, saying, “I want to thank all of you for all the prayers, all of them came home.” His latest comments reflect that same authenticity, urging fans to consider the impact of their actions on players like Chapman, who are striving to succeed in a high-pressure environment.

The incident at Fenway Park serves as a reminder that baseball, often seen as a unifying force, is not immune to the complexities of societal issues. Ortiz’s call for respect and Chapman’s emotional response highlight the human side of the sport, where players navigate not just pitches and plays but also the weight of public perception. As Boston continues to grapple with its past and present, the hope is that moments like these spark meaningful conversations rather than deepen divisions. For now, Fenway remains a stage where triumphs, controversies, and the enduring spirit of Big Papi coexist, challenging fans to reflect on what it truly means to be part of Red Sox Nation.