Jayson Werth says he is "perfectly fine" with his standing amongst Phillies fans
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Jayson Werth says he is "perfectly fine" with his standing amongst Phillies fans
David Murphy, Daily News Staff Writer
It certainly looks like Jayson Werth has embraced his role as Citizens Bank Park villain, although the former Phillies right fielder played it straight when he met with reporters in the wake of the Nationals' 8-4 win on Wednesday night. Werth, who was booed before each of his at-bats, incited the sparse crowd that remained in the ninth inning when he retrieved a foul ball while standing in the on-deck circle, deked a throwing motion to the crowd, then tossed the ball into the Nationals dugout.
Here is Werth's account of the interlude, which should be read in his usual dry, amused monotone:
"Well, earlier in the game, I flipped a ball into the seats in right field to a fan and it bounced off her hands and landed on somebody elses lap, and then a Phillies fan reached into her lap and grabbed the ball and threw it back onto the field. So in the ninth, when I got the ball, I was going to flip the ball to a group of kids. Behind the kids were all these unruly middle aged men, who, to me, appeared to be snarling. It was the ninth, who knows, I kinda got the sense that they were intoxicated, but maybe not. So I was going to flip it to the kids, but then I thought maybe I shouldn't, because of the people behind those innocent little children. So I just flipped it in the dugout, and evidently that rubbed some people the wrong way. But after the events in right field, I just felt that maybe it was better to not throw it in the stands."
After Werth hit a two-run single to help ice the game, an interesting scene unfolded as a handful of fans in began chanting "Jayyyyyyy-sonnnnnn" in an attempt at mockery that felt a bit hollow given that the stadium was near-empty and the target in question had just helped secure his playoff-bound team a victory over a Phillies team that is now one game over .500.
"You can't take away what I accomplished here, what those teams did, my time spent here in this town, the endless free meals I got from fans and Philadelphians," Werth said. "It's just part of it. It's not really too upsetting. I'm perfectly fine with it."
who cares— BigMike100- If Werth had signed with the Phillies for less (but still a lot of money) he'd be getting booed because he only has 5 home runs. He was part of a championship team here. His attitude is the same as it's always been and something we loved him for when he was a Phillie. I still appreciate Werth and think it's ridiculous to boo him. He plays the game the right way.— Philliesguy
- My memory must be faulty, because what I recall from 2010 is that Werth couldn't hit a beachball with men on base, and most Philly fans, myself included, were hoping he wouldn't be re-signed. No doubt many of them are the same ones who boo him now simply because that's what you do in Philly. And you'd think the guy could afford a razor on his salary.— mechfan2240
- His mom is hot.— Jean Valjean II
- Werth seems to have a cocky attitude, always did and always will.
I don't care for it, however, he was extremely valuable when he was
here. To be honest i don't think Rube wanted to sign him anyway
because he needed the money for other positions and couldn't afford
to pay him what he was.....WERTH.....Anyway, if someone stuck
$127 million in your face would you turn it down? He's not werth
that kind of money but that's a different story. However, he
should remember if it wasn't for the Phils he might not even be
in baseball.— associate - Phils offered Werth about 65 Million. Nats offered him 126 Million. Can you blame him for going to the Nats?— zeke128
How would you react?We had a bunch of jerks led by Capt u no who--the
nose--go down to Wash and boo and rant at the guy when he broke his wrist.Would you act any different.
As far as a business decision Jayson will be in the playoffs for years to come.
Money aside not a bad move.— HO HUM- Thanks for the memories dude, hasn't been the same since you left.— CptObvious
- Wish we could all get over the werth obsession. who cares? he's gone, we have other problems in phila. i can't be bothered booing him when he's here. it just feeds his enormous ego.— deb2
- I think people know that deep down he's a jerk. That's why they boo him. I'm not saying that some of our fans aren't jerks either.— Drumphil
- He's no Brian Dawkins...— bingbangbong
