Jonathan Papelbon Rips Red Sox Fans: Top 10 Fan Reactions on Twitter

In his own inimitable style, new Philadelphia Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon took some time on Thursday to share his comments on a Philly radio station about the differences between fans at his former home with the Boston Red Sox and his new home with the Phillies.

Papelbon, never at a loss for words, was a guest on Philadelphia's 94-WIP when he decided to share his opinion about the intelligence of fans in both cities:

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The difference between Boston and Philadelphia, the Boston fans are a little bit more hysterical when it comes to the game of baseball. The Philly fans tend to know the game a little better, being in the National League, you know, the way the game is played.

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Ouch!

Papbelbon went on to elaborate further, citing a story to back up his "hysterical" claim.

"I’ve had a guy take off his prosthetic leg and throw it in the bullpen in Boston," Papelbon claimed.

Papelbon, who signed a four-year, $50 million contract with the Phillies after spending seven seasons in Boston, also discussed the rivalry between the Sox and New York Yankees.

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You hate ‘em when you play in between the lines. But there’s a fine line here. That hate and that passion to beat them was in between the lines, and that was it. I would have definitely entertained the decision to go to the Yankees if that was there, but obviously it wasn’t.

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Reaction on Twitter following Papelbon's interview was indeed passionate. Here is a sampling of just some of the comments offered by Tweeters in reference to Mr. Papelbon.

Note: The entire Papelbon interview can be heard HERE.

Jonathan Papelbon Just Not Important Enough for Some Tweeters

Apparently, some on Twitter aren't quite as caring or passionate as others regarding comments made by Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon on Thursday.

D.E. Smith feigned complete ignorance regarding Papelbon.

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Jonathan Papelbon is a Phillie now?

— D.E. Smith (@shadasrevenge) March 9, 2012

 

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John Papelbon and Intelligence in the Same Sentence

Regarding Jonathan Papelbon's reference of intelligence during his interview with Philadelphia radio station 94-WIP on Thursday, Boston writer Joe Haggerty was not overly impressed.

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Ive heard that in addition to his new role as intelligence judge for MLB fan bases Jonathan Papelbon also administering MENSA entrance tests

— Joe Haggerty (@HackswithHaggs) March 8, 2012

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Jonathan Papelbon Compared to Former Red Sox Teammate

After taking shots at Boston fans yesterday, Jonathan Papelbon opened himself to criticism on several different levels on Twitter.

One particular tweeter wondered aloud if Papelbon isn't becoming more like another former Red Sox player who has certainly earned his share of criticism—Manny Ramirez.

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Argh. Will he become the new Manny? RT @thebostonjam: If you haven’t heard, Jonathan Papelbon hates you fb.me/txAfCW4i

— Union Park Press (@unionparkpress) March 9, 2012"

Jonathan Papelbon Comments Resonate with Yankee Fans

At least one New York Yankees fan on Twitter was amused by comments made by former Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon on Thursday.

Andrew Spivak thought Papelbon's comments resonated with his Yankee brethren.

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Jonathan Papelbon says his new fans in Philly are smarter than his old fans in Boston. Prettier, well-dressed Yankee fans agree

— Andrew Spivak (@spivvy) March 9, 2012

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A Suggestion for Jonathan Papelbon's New Entrance Song

For several years, former Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon used a special entrance song—Shipping Up To Boston by the Dropkick Murphy's.

After his comments made on a Philadelphia radio station on Thursday, one particular tweeter has a suggestion for a new entrance song for Papelbon.

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suggestion for new entrance song for jonathan papelbon to use in philly: bigmouth strikes again by the smiths.

— Rob Elba (@robelba) March 9, 2012

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Jonathan Papelbon Comments Clarified by Tweeter

Apparently, Jonathan Papelbon's remarks regarding knowledge of baseball needed to be expounded upon, at least by one particular tweeter.

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I think what Jonathan Papelbon meant when he said Philly fans "know the game better" is they don't sing Sweet Caroline in the 7th inning.

— Mike Meech (@meechone) March 8, 2012

 

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There was only one slight problem with this remark—Sweet Caroline is played in the eighth inning at Fenway Park.

Jonathan Papelbon Comments Even Assailed by Respected Media Presence

It wasn't just passionate fans from Boston and Philadelphia who chimed in on Jonathan Papelbon's remarks yesterday.

ESPN New York took their own pot shot at Papelbon's comments.

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Ex-Sawx closer Jonathan Papelbon says Phillies fans are smarter than Boston fans. Anyone think that's not saying much? es.pn/wkWKKf

— ESPN New York (@ESPNNewYork) March 8, 2012

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Jonathan Papelbon Comments Expounded on Just a Wee Bit Further

At least one fan on Twitter felt that one particular comment made by closer Jonathan Papelbon needed a little more clarification.

Well, maybe not clarification, more like a little creative license.

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Jonathan Papelbon: "Phillies fans more knowledgeable than Red Sox fans, also more murderous"

— Bill Baer (@CrashburnAlley) March 8, 2012

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Jonathan Papelbon Comments Referred to in Impressive Analogy

Whoever said Tweeps can't be intelligent and funny?

At least one tweeter put his own unique spin on comments made by closer Jonathan Papelbon regarding his comparison between fans in Philadelphia and Boston.

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Papelbon says Philly fans are smarter than Boston fans. Like saying the guy who eats gum off the floor is smarter than one who craps himself

— Fake Craig Counsell (@craigcounsell) March 9, 2012

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Papelbon Comments Questioned Regarding Real Knowledge of Philly

New Philadelphia Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon has yet to make an appearance at Citizens Bank Park for his new team, and at least one tweeter referenced that fact.

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Papelbon said Philadelphia fans "know the game better." He must have a real good perspective on Philly from Clearwater, Florida.

— Jared Carrabis (@Jared_Carrabis) March 8, 2012

 

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Doug Mead is a featured columnist with Bleacher Report. His work has been featured on the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, SF Gate, CBS Sports, the Los Angeles Times and the Houston Chronicle. Follow Doug on Twitter, @Sports_A_Holic.

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