Boo This Philadelphia!

First, let me start by saying that I've done a lot of growing up both at the old Vet and the new Citizens Bank Park, meaning, when I first had the money to start going to Phillies games regularly, I was only 17 (now 26). 

I bought in hook, line, and sinker to the reputation that Philly fans have 'earned'.  I used to be that guy who would scream and yell obscenities at opposing players, or even our own players!  All to fit the stereotype and get some sort of reaction from my friends.

But yesterday, my Philly faithful went overboard with their coveted 'booing'. 

I was at the game with my girlfriend, and we were both really excited to see the ring ceremony and the win, especially after sitting through a terrible opening night showing.

We sat down with our WaWa sandwiches, two fresh beers bought from our buddies who work the stands all summer long, and the anticipation for 40,000 plus fans to cheer maniacally for our beloved World (Effing) Champion Phils to receive their long-awaited hand-hardware. 

All was going according to plan until the $9 million dollar thief Adam Eaton's name was announced.

Immediate booing ensued.

Immediate.

Don't get me wrong, this guy deserves to get booed every time his Nike's toe the rubber.  But not when accepting his World Series Ring.  Even if he wasn't on the roster for the playoffs, even if he was cut before 2009, even if the Phils have to pay him $9 million to free us from the horrid hurler that is Adam Eaton.

Give the guy some respect—after all he helped us win our first championship in years.  Okay, maybe he didn't help us, but he certainly didn't destroy our chances. 

This fan reaction is what gives the T.J. Simers of the world (see: Rush Limbaugh) the ammunition they need to bash our great city of Philadelphia.  You can bet dollars to doughnuts that this will be talked about by these Philly-bashers, allowing them to re-open the doors of Santa and Vet Stadium jail stories.

So thanks again my brothers and sisters.  Thanks for dragging us all through a little more dirt and mud.  Thanks for nothing.

For what it's worth, I actually said ver batum to my girlfriend, "I can't boo Adam Eaton right now."  Uttering those words felt strange, I'll even admit I had a small laugh about it, but that quickly subsided and I actually felt bad for the guy, all the while I did not boo.