Philadelphia Newspaper Hits Home Run with Comical Farewell to Jonathan Papelbon

Jonathan Papelbon got his wish Tuesday when the Philadelphia Phillies traded him to the Washington Nationals, according to the Phillies' official Twitter account.

On Wednesday, the Philadelphia Daily News dedicated a cover page to saying goodbye to the closer—in true Philadelphia fashion.

The newspaper included a photo of Papelbon making an obscene gesture and used "We'll Miss You, Too!" as the headline. It was only fitting.

Papelbon's gesture came during a game last September after a rough outing in which he was booed. The closer coughed up a 4-1 lead by allowing four runs in his inning of work and ultimately took the loss. On his way off the field, he made the obscene gesture toward the Citizens Bank Park crowd. 

Umpire Joe West saw it and ejected the reliever. Papelbon subsequently had a heated conversation with West on the field, arguing that he was merely making an "adjustment." Papelbon was suspended seven games as a result of the gesture.

Papelbon had made it clear in recent seasons that he wanted to be traded to a contending team, most recently to Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com. The team finally obliged, sending the Phillies' all-time saves leader to Washington.

While Phillies fans may be conflicted about how to say goodbye to Papelbon, it would be hard for any of them to not chuckle at the Philadelphia Daily News cover.

[Philadelphia Daily News, MLB.com]