Philly has a reputation for having some of the toughest fans in professional sports — and Monday night was a clear reminder why they’ve earned that reputation. During the Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park, fans booed anyone without Philly affiliation.
“I thought it was in a pretty impressive atmosphere last night,” said Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Ryan. “Just seeing the Home Run Derby, [Philly fans are] always going to have a good time and they want to win. So, yeah. Respect it.”
Joe Ryan had this to say about the atmosphere of last night’s Home Run Derby pic.twitter.com/wYlF8LzcSX
— Ariel (@ArielSimpson16) July 14, 2026
With Phillies Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper competing in the Home Run Derby, the Philly crowd provided a home-field advantage early on.
As Boston Red Sox slugger Willson Contreras made his entrance, the crowd rained down boos at Citizens Bank Park. Contreras quickly embraced the villain role, putting his hand to his ear as fans let him have it.
“They’re great,” said Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Justin Wrobleski. “They’re really passionate. It’s cool to see fans that really, really care about it and want their guys to win. So yeah, they can get a little overboard from what normal people are but think it’s really cool and it seems like a fun place to play. And I’ve talked to a couple of the guys about it and they say they love playing here. So, super cool.”
Justin Wrobleski had a lot of nice things to say about Philly fans pic.twitter.com/Iy3nGCij1t
— Ariel (@ArielSimpson16) July 14, 2026
And nobody was safe — not even the kids in the outfield tasked with tracking balls short of being home runs. After a failed attempt, some took heat from the Philly crowd, while others were cheered for their successful catches.
“To be honest, I didn’t see [the Home Run Derby,]” said Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman. “But they’re passionate, man. I got to give them credit.”
Read more Baseball union head says MLB’s ads promoting a salary cap are ‘perverse’
“They’re passionate, man. I got to give them credit.” — Adley Rutschman on Philly fans pic.twitter.com/XGdWCO3phP
— Ariel (@ArielSimpson16) July 14, 2026
Overall, the visiting teams have enjoyed the energy behind some of the most passionate fans in sports.
“[Philly] is great,” said Cleveland Guardians second baseman Travis Bazzana. “The fans are very intense and they love it. It’s been beautiful weather and an awesome environment.”
Travis Bazzana says Philly fans are “very intense” pic.twitter.com/r4WhvWbwUU
— Ariel (@ArielSimpson16) July 14, 2026
Although fans let opposing teams have it on Monday, they were a lot nicer on Tuesday on red carpet. While no players were booed, the same can’t be said for a certain mascot from Atlanta.
Walking across the red carpet, Blooper, the Braves’ mascot, was welcomed with boos from the Philly crowd.
Blooper didn’t have a very warm welcome in Philly pic.twitter.com/UGsWUNsR8F
— Ariel (@ArielSimpson16) July 14, 2026
This doesn’t come as a surprise due to Blooper’s history with Philly fans, dating back to when the Braves and Phillies meeting in the National League Division Series in 2023.
After trying to pick a fight the Phanatic on social media, Philly fans came to their mascots defense. Now, three years later, it seems like they’ve still held on to the grudge.
Baseball’s biggest stars are descending on Philadelphia for the 96th All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park on July 14. Follow all of The Inquirer’s coverage here.
Read more What to know about cyclosporiasis as the parasitic infection is found in 34 states
- Everything you need to know about the All-Star Game
- Meet the All-Stars: What to know about baseball’s best coming to town
- Phillies get a sixth All-Star as Jesús Luzardo is added to NL roster
- Kyle Schwarber joins Bryce Harper in the Home Run Derby
- Who’s competing in the Home Run Derby? Here’s who is in already
- MLB All-Star Week brings a Philly MVP back to Citizens Bank Park’s food lineup