Philadelphia sports fans are used to having others question their actions. Their passion and deep devotion for their city, and their teams, are often been misinterpreted as ignorance and anger. They've booed their own players, cheered at injuries ,and most notably, thrown snowballs at santa
But this week, Phillies fans deservedly gained back some respect from the media and their many critics.
"I don’t like to give Philadelphia fans too much credit. But they got this one right," said Mets third baseman David Wright.
Wright is referring to ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball game that featured the Mets and Phillies. In the top of the ninth, announcers told viewers to turn to ABC for a special news broadcast from President Obama in which he announced the killing of Osama bin Laden.
Within a few minutes almost everyone in Citizens Bank Park had found out via cell phones or word of mouth.
In the top of the ninth fans began to chant U-S-A. In a night with an already electric sold-out crowd, the fans became even louder with a true sign of patriotism.
It was a night that will be remembered for a long time. "I think it was a symbol of how much they love their country," Charlie Manuel said. "It put the game, and life, in perspective."
Phillies outfielder Shane Victorino said the players didn't know why the fans were chanting until they eventually heard the news from a trainer in the dugout. "I was sitting in the dugout and didn't understand what was going on for a minute," Phillies starter Cliff Lee said
But Phillies fans didn't stop there.
On Tuesday Jayson Werth's made his return to Philadelphia. And just like last year, when Donovan McNabb's return, the media wanted to know how fans would react.
His announcement was marked by boos and jeering, but quickly turned to cheers when Werth stopped on his way to the plate to tip his helmet. He received an even louder applause when he returned to longtime home out in right field.
It was a good week for the Phillies who posted a 5-2 record since Sunday's game. But it was a bigger week for their fans. Phillies Skipper Charlie Manuel said it best about the killing of bin Laden, "It just go to show that justice wins out."
It's a fitting quote for the whole week.
Phuck The Media Love Philly
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