In response to my desperate plea for more info on The Pappet, the Boston K-Men sent me the following e-mail:

The Pappet was created by the Artist Formerly Known as Mr. Mischo, a member of the Boston K-Men. Mischo found inspiration in the original dancing Jonathan Papelbon, and the sign was first unveiled during Game 2 of the 2007 World Series.

Some K-Men said the unveiling of the Pappet was analogous to Martin Luther posting his 95 theses on the Power of Indulgences, with certain members dissenting from the original framework of the K-Men — that is posting the strikeouts of Red Sox ace pitchers. Others said it was a natural step in the evolution of the group. Either way, section 39 of the bleachers will never be same.

The sign traveled to Denver for the World Series, survived a split decision fight with a disgruntled Rockie fan, and then danced his head off during the Rolling Rally. Currently the Pappet is locked safely away in Manny’s reading library, but it may make an appearance on Opening Day.

Now how cool would it be to see Papelbon come bounding out of the dugout to get his ring during Fenway Opening Day ceremonies, holding his puppet likeness triumphantly over his head? Red Sox Management, I know you’re not reading this, but I can only hope that one of your fancy lads is hammering out these details even as I type.

To hold us all over til then, indulge your Pappet fetish at the K-Men’s site. I know I’ll be there. In fact, with Tina C gone, the Pappet may well bear the brunt of my misguided affections throughout the 2008 season.