Jayson Werth’s first time in Philadelphia as a National gets a bitter-sweet response – MLB News
Baseball truly is an unpredictable sport. Who would have thought that this season’s first no hitter would be tossed by Francisco Liriano, of the Minnesota Twins, one of the most disappointing teams in Major League Baseball at the moment? This is something
that even the most optimistic of fans could not have foreseen. Who would have thought that Jayson Werth’s return to the city of Philadelphia would be accepted by his former fans?
Who would have thought that a simple tipping of his helmet by Werth would convert boo’s into cheers coming from the Philadelphia Phillies fans? No one did and that is one of the many reasons why we love baseball; it can be as predictable as a movie, or it
could leave you shaking your head in disbelief.
Werth has had some of his most cherished career moments with the Phillies, without a doubt. It was in this team that he blossomed from a Number 1 Draft Pick to an All Star, all within a mere four seasons with the club. He had the honour of being a part of
the team that won the World Series when he was with the Phillies and was widely respected for paying attention to every move that he made in the field.
He was loved, praised and cherished by the Philly fans, until one fine day he decided to sign on the dotted line that tied him to the Washington Nationals for seven years, through which he would be showered with a staggering $126 million. That didn’t settle
too well with the Phillies and chants of ‘Sell-out’ could easily be heard throughout the second inning of the game. Many fans were disappointed by his decision to leave Philadelphia and go to the Washington Nationals.
When he was asked for his opinion on how he felt as he played in Philadelphia but against Philadelphia at the same time he said, "I enjoyed every second of it, I was glad to be back here. I loved playing here. Always have. Always will. No matter what."
The Phillies’ fans seemed genuinely confused. They were content as they booed Werth but that was before he acknowledged them by tipping his helmet in respect. After that some booed and some cheered. Given that it is Philadelphia there were times when the
boos could easily out do the cheers in the stadium.
Werth was shocked when he heard the Philadelphia fans cheer for him as he came up on the field, "I wasn't too sure what I was going to get, so I was very grateful,'' Werth said.
Only time will tell if Werth’s move to the Nationals was worth it. Baseball can be unpredictable.
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