“The problem with Philadelphia fans is that they want you to play every game like it’s your last one.” ~ Shawn Bradley, former Philadelphia 76er’s center.
Philadelphia, “The City of Brotherly Love”. Home of the Phillies, Eagles, Flyers and 76ers. The Oakland Athletics originated in Philadelphia, before moving to Kansas City and then to Oakland (they may relocate again soon). The city is known for their delicious Cheesesteak (and rightly so, I might add), the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, where the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence and wrote the Constitution. Philadelphia is also known for their rather loud, jeering, obnoxious and sometimes unsportsmanlike fans.
My dad was from Egg Harbor, New Jersey and grew up rooting for the Athletics and Eagles. My grandpop loved the Flyers. Anytime we visited, we’d go to a game, mostly the Phillies. It was always fun spending time at the ballpark with my dad and grandpop. Of course, when grandma and grandpop came to visit us, it was a White Sox doubleheader on the calendar. Good times and good memories.
As I mentioned, Philadelphia fans have a reputation to say the least. They booed and threw snowballs at Santa Claus during an Eagles – Vikings game at old Franklin Field, they booed a 12-year-old girl singing the National Anthem, they booed Donovan McNabb as he was drafted by the Eagles, they threw plastic wrist bands commemorating Ed Snider one of the Flyer’s owners who died of bladder cancer on the ice as the Flyers lost to the Washington Capitals. Then there was the 700 Level at Veterans Stadium. This section was rather notorious for smelling of beer, pot, and occasionally vomit and urine. Fans beat-up the Washington Redskins mascot, Chief Zee. They tossed a beer bottle at Ryan Howard as he was walking back to the dugout after grounding out. The fans have thrown batteries at J.D Drew after he refused to sign with the Phillies and at their own power hitter Dick Allen who took to wearing his batting helmet on the field while playing defense.
Another item was added to the list last Tuesday, the 12th when the Phillies in the midst of starting the season 4-7 had a Dollar Dog Night at Citizens Bank Park. In theory, a fun promotion and usually a fan favourite. Apparently, a friendly hotdog eating contest broke out in Section 112. A thirteen-year-old had eaten 13 hotdogs with chanting support from those around him. Then other fans started throwing their dogs to him. It escalated and a security guard came over and it further escalated into a “flying franks” food fight. As people were being taken out of the park, water bottles were thrown from the upper deck as well. From bystanders, they described the situation as nothing malicious, but it went overboard.
The Phillies released the following statement:
“There were several people who were ejected from our game last night as a result of their unruly behavior, a behavior which the Phillies do not condone. In addition, our staff took the appropriate action to assist any fans who voiced complaints. Unfortunately, the small minority of people involved in this situation put our regular fan base in a negative light.”
In all fairness, it is always just a few people that cause issues and not an entire fanbase, and incidents in various degrees of seriousness have occurred at other venues, but Philadelphia probably leads all professional sports in this category. They have two other Dollar Dog Nights scheduled on April 25th and May 9th. Stay tuned.
If you like Hotdog posts, check out one of my earlier posts by clicking on, No Ketchup.
~ Coach Mike
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I know there are crazy things that go on at games but this is next level🥺 Fascinating read💯 Thanks for another great blog👍
Very interesting column! Yes, they aren't known as the BOOBIRDS for their loving ways! But, as you say it only takes a few to give the area a bad name! Most go to have a nice time and enjoy the game. However, there are always a few that have to spoil it for others!
Happy you didn't experience any problems while attending the game with Grandpop and Dad!