Werth takes issue with fan
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Werth takes issue with fan
Sheil Kapadia
Jayson Werth took issue with a fan not getting out of the way of a foul ball during the 12th inning of Thursday night's Phillies win over the Reds.
Cincinnati center fielder Drew Stubbs sailed a fly ball to the right field corner. Werth sped over, reached into the stands, but was unable to make the catch as a Phillies fan in a green shirt made the grab.
Werth (see video below) was not pleased and dropped an expletive on the man, who was at the game with a kid.
So the question here is simple: Was Werth out of line? Was the fan out of line? Or neither?
If you watch the video, the fan did not really reach out into the field of play. And it does look like he feels terrible after Werth gave him the business.
The kid looks frightened. But in 10 years, I picture him cracking up with his college buddies and showing them the YouTube clip of the time Jayson Werth cursed out his dad (or whoever the guy was).
Watch the video, and vote in the poll.
And thanks to Tweeter @mingramjr for posting the clip on YouTube.
Comments (139)
well the fan took away the home field advantage.. if i was jayson i would have yelled at him to.— sasquatches- i think it's permissible, as the long Werth curses himself in the mirror each night for interfering with the success of this team.— jb99
- I can't see how Werth sees the kid in advance of cursing out the dad. But, he ought to assume there are kids, because there always are, no? Either way, he could have done something for the kid and the dad, and maybe he did. If not, he still could.— B in DC
- I couldn't tell what he said. Not sure it was a bad word.— ronin32
- Werth owes this guy and his kid an apology. The ball was not in the field of play. When that's the case the fan as a right to catch the ball, hence why he wasn't removed from the game and anybody in the same position wouldn't be removed. I can understand Werth's anger but he is flat out in the wrong here and hope he is adult enough to admit it (even though I doubt it).— ob18
- That fan could have cost the Phillies a much needed game. Some people are just idiots. I'll bet if Jayson catches that ball he would have giving it to the kid, anyway. Why fans are so compelled to catch a freaking foul ball, especially when the player can make a play? I guess most of them never caught one in a real game. I find it so funny... and disturbing.— EL Zorro
- The ball was in the stands the guy didn't reach over so you can't blame the fan. Werth probably owes the guy an apology.— cuso20
- Right or wrong it's 2010 and whatever Werth may have said I'm pretty sure the dad as said around his kid or the kid says it with his friends when parents aren't around. Their are curse words all over regular television now, nearly everything but the f bomb.— bobf876
- So let me understand this, we're not supposed to boo them for grossly underachieving at a job they get paid millions to do, but they can curse out a fan helping to pay those millions and traumatize his kid when the guy didn't deliberately do anything wrong? It's especially ridiculous considering how Werth has been playing and the fact that he has two young sons of his own.— TMcG
- Werth was out of line.— lgeagles
- 1. Doesn't matter if it wasn't in the field of play--you need to be aware if you are in those seats that the Phillie can make the play. 2. Didn't need to swear. Apologize to dude for that so kid knows its cool. Dad probably had nightmares of the Cubs fan (is that dude in witness protection?).— Jim C.
- Thankfully we still got the out. This was a tough call. As a fan, I would definitely have the presence of mind to make sure Werth could not catch it first. What Werth did was heat of the moment. I am sure after Werth looks at the play that he will decide some sort of peace offering should be made. At least I hope he will.— jphil
- The ball was in the stands, not over the field of play. The father was looking up the whole time for the ball - partly to catch it and partly to protect his son from getting hurt. I don't think he did anything wrong and Werth should have gone over, after the end of the inning and apologized.— betharu
- The Dad can't win here. He catches the ball and then Werth is mad at him for doing so. I understand why Werth is mad, but what happens if the Dad doesn't try to catch it and Werth misses it and it hits the kid in the face instead?— jaxforprez
- No one is at fault here. The ball was in the stands, not in the field of play. Hard to fault the man for wanting to get a souvenier for his kid. Hard to fault Jason for wanting to make the catch. It would have been a different story if the man was reaching onto the field of play. I think the kid looked scared and the father embarassed. Fortunately the batter got out and there is no real harm to anyone.— JohnFC
- As soon as I saw it happen, I called that fan an idiot. Go buy a baseball for $6 if you want one. It was hit by a Red anyway. Way to take away homefield advantage, you fat middle-aged moron.— JWB109
- Werth doesn't owe anybody an apology. He's probably laughing at how "great" of sports fans we think we are in Philly, then have this dope steal an out. He's probably counting down the days til he goes to the Yankees...— Phillies1120
- jphil, i'm throwing the BS flag right now on you. Have you ever been in this guys position? i have and i did the same thing as him. when a ball comes near you, you forget about everything else and try to catch that ball. i was on the corner seat at CBP when a ground ball came rolling towards us, after it hit 3rd base (fair ball). everyone around us reached over the wall to grab it, even though burrell was chasing it down. one of the dudes i was with grabbed the ball resulting in a ground rule double. burrell got in his face, screaming at him "what are you doing man, i could have gotten him at second." but no curses, so i guess burrell was right. i miss burrell.— g$ is an idiot
- total Bartman!!! Werth definitely had the right to be mad, and from what I could tell on TV, the fans around him weren't mad enough.— JesseH
- Werth was not unhappy with the guy catching the ball. He was unhappy with the ugly green Phillies shirt that looked two sizes too small. You see Werth is a fashion afficionado and if you are going to be in right field cheering for his Werthiness then you better look sharp doing it. Simple case of a fan clothes violation here folks. Werth was absoultuely right in this case and the guy should have been removed for his lack of attire etiquette.— rockinrob
- Did Werth call the guy off? That's what I want to know?— B in DC
- Bartman in Chicago got crucified for doing that in the playoffs in 2003. It might be hard in the moment to back off, but I can't blame Jayson Werth for being upset. If the batter hits a homer right after that, then the guy just blew the game.— bluehaha
Players need to get out of the way of the fans? And kids have such tender ears these days? If Jason Werth had not been so motivated to make the extra effort - and express frustration when unnecessarily thwarted in that effort - I'm sure this article would have been about his lack of motivation and wimpiness. He's motivated and in a real-world sense!- Classy, Jason, real classy...
- From a players stand point, Werth was right- From a fans stand point, i probably would've done the same thing- wasn't like he reached over the wall for it-it was in his lap! but by no means would I say Werth was in the wrong- We got the "W" so lets leave it at that! We all laughed when Chase on national TV said World Effen Champs, so big deal is Werth drops it on a fan== F-#* IT!!— Jay_Gax
- I agree whole-heartedly with JohnFC— mmmike22
- Get the hell out of the way and let the player make a play. If you're that ignorant about baseball, then go to a freakin Wings game with your kid.— ChrisInConshy
- A Philadelphia player gets frustrated, loses his cool and utters an expletive. Forty-nine percent of people (fans?) responding to a poll (above) blame the player. Another Philadelphia player gets frustrated because he's losing money betting on dogs he's trained to kill so he maims and murders those dogs. What percent of the fans think that player is wrong or exonerates that player from blame because "he's paid his dues"?
- okay, lets not blow this out of proportion. the fan made a mistake and probably knows it. it was a crucial out in the 12th. werth reacted in the moment because he is competitive but probably regrets his words. that kid has heard those words before and won't be scarred for life. no big deal. let it go.— esesjay
- This whole rationale about "the play wasn't in the field" is ridiculous. If you are a Phils fan, and the fielder has a chance to reach over the railing and make a catch, swallow your pathetic vanity for once in trying to be "the guy who caught a foul ball," and let your team try to make a great play. Idiots.— ajaxrasputin
- I don't fault Werth for trying to make the play... and it would have taken a fair amount of presence of mind to get out of the fielder's way, when the ball was in the stands (I'm not sure I'd have gotten out of the way)... Agree with El Zorro that if the fan had let Werth catch the ball, Werth might have just given it to him afterwards as a "thank you". All that being said, Werth shouldn't have cursed at the fan... expressed displeasure yes, but he should have kept it clean with his club's paying customer.— chaos91
- Can the Dad hit too? Put him in right field.— andwhysee
- If the fan wants to sit there he should understand the game. When a fielder from the home team comes over there, get out of his way.Werth had every right to be hot.— drbob1
Comment removed.- At least this board seems sane. I read another board this morning where the ones who give Philly a bad name (I won't belittle the rest of us and call them fans, as they are bandwagonners plain and simple) were screaming for Werth to be traded and calling him a cancer. The guys is running full speed for a ball in the corner. The same fans would boo Abreu for not getting over to even have a chance at that play. Werth's outburst was heat of the moment, but at least he shows he actually cares . . . which is more than you can say for about 10 other guys on the team. Say want you want about Ibanez too but that guy would run into a wall if we had a 7 run lead. Give me a guy who cares and gets upset when he doesn't make a play over a guy who doesn't play with his heart on his sleeve anyday. I'm ceratin Werth will apologize too, so the outburst is moot. Let's get on board with what really counts, a guy in an extra inning must win game for a team that just lost two in a row to the Braves going all out to make a play that could have meant the difference between being in or out of the playoffs at seasons end. If the people watching the Phils can't get on board with that then I hope they get what they deserve in a few years with a team full of lackidasical "for who for what" players that us true fans had to endure from 84-92 & 95-03 . . . and a belated thank you Lenny, Kruker, Dutch, Hollins and Jimmy Eisenreich for those few years of heart you have us back in the 90's— shane-56
- Jaxforprez-the dad can win by getting out of the way and teaching his son what home field advantage is. The kid wasn't getting hit in the face by a pop up.— richards4captain18
- Werth should be worrying about the fact that he is hitting under .200 with RISP and is costing himself millions with his pathetic play this year...what an arrogant jerk— tallguyj024
- If the fan is not reaching over, Jayson Werth has no right to conduct himself in that manner, heat of battle or not. And, if it's me, I'm protecting my son at all costs, I could care less who it might be trying to catch a ball. If Jayson could hit a fastball anymore, maybe I would have a little more compassion for him...— cdk104
- If the fan was a Phillies fan, he should get out of the way of the ball, period. In the heat of the moment, I can understand Jayson's reaction, especially the way things are going these days. If he wants to apologize later, fine.— pizzzmoe
- There is fault to be had, and it's the fan's fault. This is what home field advantage is. If a visiting team hits a foul ball and someone on your team has a chance to catch it, you get out of the way. If your team hits a foul ball and the other team has a chance to catch it, you try to catch it and do not yield to the player if he is into the stands. That's called home field advantage. It's just regular season so it is not that big a deal, but you front-runner fans better learn your etiquette if the Phils make the playoffs. That guy would've been run out of town if that happened during the playoffs.— cjl4959
it looked like he said "c'mon"— Leegles- They guy had his head up watching the flight of the ball not Werth. Jayson ought to curse at himself for all his strike outs with men on base in clutch situations— brs50
- If Jason Werth keeps it up, he'll be the recipient of the Phillies "Von Hayes Clubhouse Poison" award.— BillyFortune
- Trade him already.— SemperAugust
- It was a crucial point of the game, one that could of ended the inning in a must win game. After Werth screwed up at first base, I can see why he would of lost his cool. I think anyone who viewed this feels bad for the kid. Wouldn't you if your Dad (a kid that age still thinks his Dad can do no wrong), was cursed out by Werth and getting booed by the fans. It could of ended much worse if the Phils lost, but they won so no harm. I just hope the Phillies make it right and give the kid an autographed bat and ball to let him know that it's just a game and its not the end of the world.— tangoPC
- ajaxrasputin it has nothing to do with it being a phillies fan or not; bottom line the ball was not in the field of play and he had as much a right to catch it as anybody. could he has moved his son back and let Werth catch it yes but you tell me as a parent if your first thought is to protect your child and catch the ball or think oh wait my team needs this out let me clear out and think of them first before my own child ? Werth could have voiced his anger in another way but as a pro athlete they are held to higher standards then us common people.— ob18
- trade his worthless a**— swayn3
- Werth owes him an apology (before he's traded). I can understand his frustation in the heat of the moment, but after realizing the guy was there with his son, he should apologize. Disrespectful behavior for a millionaire role model.— blutz
- Probably when all is said and done, Jayson is sorry for overreacting and the fan regrets his role in the incident. In the excitement of the moment things may have happened or been said that were regretted later.— alsdad41
- Jayson Werth should be embarrassed by this situation, and if he doesn't apologize it should be his ticket out of town. The guy didn't reach over onto the field. He didn't even reach out of his seat. I'd sure like to see any of you sitting at a baseball game with a ball coming directly at you have the presence to look around at where the Phillies are, and if any of them have a chance to leap over a high railing and into the second seat to make a play. I understand Werth being frustrated, but by not apologizing he looks like an idiot. I've always been a Werth fan, but after watching that I couldn't even get excited for the walkoff home run. It disgusted me, and I want Werth gone.— hunsinator
- Maybe the dad thought Gload was playing RF.— dasher
- Werth clearly cursed @ the fan. So make no mistake about that. The fan was in the wrong by getting in the way but you CANT defend Werth's reaction. It was way over the top. & anyway it was a moot point as the next pitch was grounded out to 3rd. If Werth was big enough he should've gone out there in the next inning & quickly apologized for overreacting & maybe give the guys kid a ball. (or something)— Kennedy
- Guy was wrong to interfere with the ball. I don't care if it was 3 rows deep, it was catchable. Werth cannot be blamed for what he said or did in the heat of the moment of an intense, critical extra innings game. Thought for sure Weth was going back at the end of the inning to apologize after he cooled off. Werth didn't and that's where I think he was wrong.— vafan
- Baseball and all sports are supported by the fans, we pay there salaries. THe guy was excited. had great seats. Hell yeah is going to try and catch that ball. IS was out of play and Werth should apologize. He is a professional and a role model if he likes it or not.— PhillyinBaltimore
Anyone who thinks Werth is wrong here probably believes Chicks Dig The Long Ball, too. Criticizing Werth shows how out-of-touch with a long-honored baseball tradition you are: when the visitors are batting you back away from fly balls at the railing. That said, Werth probably would take back his barking at the fan.- I have been a Phillies fan my entire life and it's killing me that the team is hurt, trading players away (Cliff Lee) and losing far more then they should. However, I think Jason Werth was completely wrong for yelling at the fan. Jason is the baseball player, he should know the rules that when a ball is in the stands it's fair game. I have been to many a ball game and when a foul ball is hit, just like a player, you stare up at it and see if it's going to land near you. At the very least, Jason should have been yelling, " I got it !!" That's what they do on the field because they know everyone is looking up at the ball. This guy had no idea Jason was there, and don't give me the line.. he should have. If you have ever been to a ball game and had a ball hit towards you, you know what I am talking about. You stare at the ball, and you also know that the ball does not fly in a straight line. It's spinning like a top and curving. Jason should be embarrassed about his behavior. It's the fans that play is salary. Yes, we would like to win, but not if it means that you have to watch a jerk on the field. BTW…I do not think Jason would have acted that way if we were playing better and not up for a big free agent deal next season, he’s feeling the pressure and knows that his lack of performance is costing him major dollars.— ericwith3kids
- Although in impportance of circumstance similar to Bartman. The way the Phillies "luck" has been going this could have turned out badly. Though call. Werth I am sure is frustrated with his game and he did get nailed the previous inning at first in a semi-bizarre play.— burdh
- JOHNFC, NO FAULT? REALLY? THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU JUST WROTE? GOING BY WHAT YOU SAID, WHAT WRITE DID THAT MAN DESERVE TO BE YELLED AT? The ball was clearly out of the field of play, and I'm sure with it being hot, extra innings, and the the teams struggles had Jayson frustrated. I just hope that he apologized later...— phigglesfan75
- Werth should worry more why he such a wuss at the plate! Trade him!— george22
- Right field ... so easy a caveman could do it! Is it me or are the fans and players becoming more polarized every day?— spalding_guide
- If a fielder can make a play on the ball, it IS still in the field of play.— fcskills
- They were both potentially in the wrong. The guy should have let Werth catch the ball. And, if Werth was truly dropping a few @x!&* (I could see that happening but we don't know for sure they were expletives) then he should apologize, especially with the kid there. No F-bombs or such and then no apology is needed.— DPL
- I think the disdain on Werth's face for paying fan is what troubles me. It's OK to be disappointed, and firmly say something like, "C'mon, man, you gotta gimme a chance to catch that", instead of that arrogant contempt he showed. Ask yourself how Shane Victorino would've handled that.— Boogie
- No harm no foul. Werth should be yelling at himself for his lackluster play of late.
- Heat of the moment gesture ,everybody has them , its over , move on !!!!no apology is needed!!!— zogger
- if werth did that to me i would have had to tune him up— gruck24
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- Werth didn't curse about the catch. He said "why the f### are you wearing Utley's shirt? He's not even playing!"— JoeC.
- In the heat of the moment, both the fan and Jason should be given some slack. It turned out that the fan had no impact on the game. Given that, when the hitter made the third out, Werth should have paid some respect to the fan and the kids in the area by making a conciliatory jester or comment on the way back to the dugout. He would have been given a standing ovation. Jason, it's not too late!
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- It's not the fan's fault Werth is an underachieving scrub. Therefore, the fan should not be expected to become his whipping boy.— Toots McGee
- Maybe if Werth treats the kid nicer the kid will explain that if you step off 1st base when the first baseman is HOLDING THE BALL and he tags you that you are OUT— eisenser
Werth should've pulled the guy from the stands, b**ch-slapped him a few times, and tossed him back over the rail. Teach these so-called fans a lesson.- There was harm done.Werthless should have apoliged to the fan and his son.Curesing was not the answer.The fan only protected his son— tobyjoe
- You guys are so obsessed with winning a baseball game that you'll blame a fan for catching a baseball that was about to land on his head (or maybe his kid's head.) That's pathetic! 90% of the fans at a ballgame would have done the same thing. That's why they're FANS, not players or managers. If the Phillies had lost that game, it would have been because of Madson's failure to cover the plate on that wild pitch, a horrific performance by Lidge, another baserunning blunder by Mr. Werth, and another lackluster performance by the Phils lineup, and NOT because of that poor father. Direct your anger where it belongs: at the team.— ben715
- Can't fault the dad. A ball is coming at me IN THE STANDS and I'm going to try to catch it rather than have it hit me or my kid in the head.— BroadStreet
- I'm really sorry to see the state of things these days. People no longer have any common sense or common courtesy. The man did not reach out of the stands for the ball. The ball came right to him. Any normal guy would try to catch a ball that is heading right into his lap. Forget this incident, can't you people who watch the Phillies see that Werth is one of "those" baseball players... arrogant, conceited, nasty, unfriendly, pompous, egotistical. I would have been shocked if he didn't act like a creep in that situation.— r white
- Wert is so over rated. Nice player but not a superstar. Only had 1 great year. I hated that dumb necklace he wore when he first got here.— davekrieg
- And I don't care how many f-bombs that kid has already heard in his life. I bet you that's the first time he's seen someone direct one at his father. I guarantee you he was freaked out.— ben715
- If I have my 4 year old daughter sitting beside me I'm not going to count on the fielder catching the ball and it not hitting her on top of the head. My hand will go up to either catch or shield her. If it's me sitting there alone I back off and let the fielder make a play. I'm a die hard lifetime Phillies fan but I would gladly see the Phils lose versus my kid getting a concusion or skull fracture. I do realize the kid here was much older than 4 but I'm just saying what I would do if my 4 year old were with me.— kzimm63
- This guy ain't a major leaguer, he's locked in on this ball coming in, he has no idea Werth is there and can make the catch. That having been said, If I was Werth, I'd be annoyed too. I'm sure if he'd had a second to cool down, he would have rolled his eyes and walked away. I'm sure if both men could go back to that moment they'd have done it differently.— 00spool
- Just something else to add. I really like Jayson Werth and do understand how things can happen in "the heat of the battle". BUT that being said he should (and still could) apologize if he let fly with what I think he said. No parent likes to be embarrassed and humiliated in front of their kids. I would have felt like popping Jayson in the mouth if he did that to me.— kzimm63
- Both. Agree w/Jim C, that fan needs to know where he's sitting and that Werth is coming and give him room to make that catch. Werth is way out of line cussing the guy in front of his kid. He clearly felt badly about it and the kid did look scared. Werth, as good as he can be, seems like an arrogant man from here. I'd imagine the Phillies aren't too happy about this one and have asked Werth to keep his mouth shut in the future, regardless of who's right/wrong.— PhillySubsMac
- One word - "Bartman" Cubs fan ran him out of town for the exact same thing. Werth is feeling the pressure...they needed that game and I cant blame him for being upset. Just think if this had been a playoff or WS game and the next pitch ends up being caught by a fan...on the fair side of the foul pole in right! The dude in the green shirt would have been done for! Better he is like me, duck.— DrSmoke
- If Werth was a real gentleman, he'd take the high road and apologize. The guy had his kid there and was clearly sorry and feeling bad about it. Besides, who is Jayson Werth to big time anyone? He couldn't cut it in Baltimore and L.A. He's lucky Pat Gillick scouts well.— davekrieg
- Werth was just upset because he dropped an easy fly ball the other night, and this guy caught the ball, and without a glove. He should remember how to hit the ball more than once a week before he yells at a fan doing his best to enjoy watching these guys play lame baseball.
- I think R White may be right here. I like Werth as a player but "gut" feeling (even before this happened) tells me he is arrogant and conceited. Gut feeling tells me Victorino or Rollins would have not acted that way or would have at least apologized later to the boy.— kzimm63
- That shows a lot of class Werth...cursing out a fan with his kid sitting next to him. You should be very proud of yourself today.— downtheshore
- last time i checked, this game was about the fans enjoying themselves. without fans, the game doesn't exist. yelling at a fan for catching a foul ball for his son -- which is every dad's dream -- is a pretty classless thing.— tockeyhockey
- If Jayson is an ex- Phillie in a few months or next year I'm not going to be too disappointed.— kzimm63
- C'mon, if you're a fan, you need to know to get out of the way. And you need to know to GET IN the way if it's the other team trying to make the play. Imagine if this was a playoff game. I'm sorry, the fan is the inexcusable one.— chief_jaysons
- Neither did anything wrong in going for the ball but Werth was out of line with his reaction. Jason should save his anger for opposing pitchers.— PhillyTru
- Very similar thing happened last night in Seattle at the Yankees / Seattle game. I realize it was not in extra innings like the Phillies game. Ichiro bumped into a lady fan while trying to make a catch in the right field stands. Very different display of actions compared to Jayson. You can see it on You Tube. Search for Ichiro Suzuki then search for videos of him loaded today. I believe there is 3 or 4 of this incident. Look how Ichiro treats the girl. MLB network about 11 PM last night compared the 2 incidents. Werth versus Ichiro in how the fan was treated that they bumped into while trying to make a catch.— kzimm63
- Jason is just ticked that his woeful performance this year has proven him to be nothing more than a platoon player, which is costing him millions. Classless act.— fishthing
- It wasn't the guy's fault. He sees the foul ball coming toward him and probably didn't even think about Jayson Werth at that point. He couldn't have known that Werth was going to catch the ball. If you watch the video you see the guy looking straight up at the ball, not at Werth running toward him. I can understand Werth being angry and saying "I would have caught that" or words to that effect, but to curse out the guy for just following his natural instincts was way out of line in my opinion. He owes the guy and the kid an apology.— SteveS11
- This is so logical that I am surprised its even an issue. When a fan is in the stands and a ball is hit, he follows the path. When the ball is in the field of play, that path converges with an oncoming fielder. His eyes are on the ball, not Werth or anything else and they shouldnt be. Would anyone elses? Of course not. The man reached UP for a ball, not OUT. Werth jumped up 3 feet and reached in 2 feet. He's out of line to think the fan should have just sat there and let the ball clang off his head or the seats. The man did nothing wrong. He stood up and tried to catch a foul ball.— IRAMITLA
- I think Werth made himself look classless, honestly. I get that he's "in the heat of the moment", but it was a foul ball, the guy did not have his arm out over the rail and even if he yelled at him with out the f-bomb it might have made it a little better. This kind of thing usually doesn't bother me too much, but the look on the kid's face is what got me - I felt like that kid was probably so excited about his dad catching the ball and having Werth inches from him, and then Jayson curses his dad out....what a buzz kill.— kat20
- To add to what I already said, I guess these things don't bother me too much becasue I'm fully aware that not all professional athletes are nice guys, and I don't put them on a pedestal where I wanna be like them "when I grow up"....that kid's face told you he hadn't figured that out yet. I t was a shame he had to get that lesson first-hand from a guy he probably looked up to, on a the team he's a fan of.— kat20
- Normally, Jayson is my favorite player, but I think he may have gone a little overboard here. For some perspective see the same situation in Seattle with Ichiro but with very different result. http://tinyurl.com/28qw5jx— PhilliesPhan53
Both their fault for not communicating. Werth should have called the fan off for the easy out.
Jason has proven himself to be a class guy in his time with the Phillies. Last night, he acted out of character and in the heat of the moment. If he didn't really try for the ball, we'd be all over him. But, he should have controlled his reaction. I feel very badly for the Dad and his son, as well as the people surrounding them. I think what the incident may really point out is the pressure that the players are feeling. Hopefully, Jason and the Phillies can make things right with this fan and his son and that they can begin playing good baseball again. Go Fightins!— Nihilist- VINNY_FUMO - You are every bit as much of a sleezey slimeball as your so appropriate of a name implies!— Nihilist
- Any baseball fan that attends games or follows the game regularly knows that you yield and get out of the way of your home team fielder. If it is the opposing team you do everything to get in his way! We need wins right now - at all costs. LOL— Ringoes Jim
- Protecting his kid from the ball? Looks like he should protect him from the barber.— B Dawg 82
- This guy owes Werth and the Phillies an apology and could have potentially cost the Phillies the game. Since Werth could have caught the ball and if on next pitch the guy who should have been out hits a homer it could have cost Phillies the game. When you sit that close to the field you need to be conscious of what is going on and especially if your a fan of the team you have to let the players try to make the play. Who cares the guy was there with a kid cause hes a bone head and deserved to get booed. If i was Werth i would have cursed the idiot out as well. The guy doesnt feel bad cause he got cursed out he feels bad cause hes an idiot.— MrSmithTP
- Well, they guy was already capitalizing from the incident. I heard he was already on a radio show. What is next a book, a lawsuit?— EL Zorro
- Werth shouldnt have cursed but at a baseball game the home team comes over and has a play you get out of the way period. Dad was wrong for not doing that. If werth catches the ball he probably gives it to the kid anyway. Werth should appologize for cursing and give the kid a signed ball or something which he may have already done. but dad has to move out of the way.— Phillyphan26
- The ball was catchable ( in or out of field of play is irrelevant). The fan interfered. Every out is important. Fan was a moron and knew he screwed up immediately. Don't know what Werth said. If he just called him a moron I'm OK with it. Probably shouldn't have cursed. The father should have taught his kid correctly and not gone for the ball. If JW had caught it he would have given it to them anyway.— notch44
This is this years "ball in the stands story". Last year's story was the little girl who threw the ball away.— road515- Werth owes this kid and his fat father absolutely nothing,.....this guy owes the City of Philadelphia and the entire fanbase to- "STAY THE $%^&&%^% OUT OF THE WAY"— SyddBarrett
- Dumb phans.— Dickie Thon
- hopefully Werth is peeved and it spills over to tonite,....for a 2homer 5 RBI performance,...nah wishful thinking,...gonna need it with big Joe Bagadonuts on the mound— SyddBarrett
- Werth was out of line. The Dad had the right to protect himself and his son. Catching the ball was the only way he could. His eyes were fixed on the ball and he was probably unaware that Werth may have had a play. To Werth's credit, it's nice to see that the play mattered enough to get him rattled. Maybe the episode will shock Werth out of his current doldrums and get him productive again.
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- Weth misses his craps shooting buddy - Cliff Lee— M60tanker
- ...the fan is a moron...any baseball fan knows to get out of the way if your guy is trying to make a catch in the stands...please— garyshaffer
- Wasn't as bad as when Larry David tripped Shaquille O'Neal.— Spaceman Eddie
- The fans who give this city a bad name are those defending Jayson Werth's behavior. If he's so concerned about winning maybe he should hit something and learn how to run the bases.— TMcG
- Clearly, this was the fan's fault. Werth would have a good chance to catch the ball. Home fan's should always do their best to get out of the way of home team players reaching into the stands to try and catch a ball. If this happened when the Reds were in the field, then this wouldn't be a story or everyone would be praising him. Thankfully, the Phillies won the game. Hopefully, ohter Philly fans seeing this will learn a lesson. Nothing wrong with Werth's reaction. The team is struggling, he's struggling, Lidge just blew a save. And now a fan gets in his way.— HighPlainsDrifter
- It's an intense game. Can't blame Werth for being upset, although I'm sure he feels bad in retrospect.— ItsOnLikeDK
- So, would any of you be whining this much about the fan if it was the Cincinnati right fielder trying to make the play? If it had been Cincy, you would want the player strung up and quartered.— dmac62
- I'm sick of the excuse that it's okay to curse because the kid has heard it before. I don't know of any business that thinks it's okay for its' employees to curse at a paying customer. I know if I did that at my office I'd be given a final written warning immediately, up to or including termination.— BLH
- Boo to the fan! We as phillies fans are brutal sometimes towards the players, but the best fans out there. Part of being a Phillies fan is knowing the situation of the game. If it's a Met coming into the stadium go for the grab with the elbow out. If it's a Phillie protect him from the seats so he doesn't get hurt.— bdr
- as long as he did'nt drop an F bomb I'm OK with Werth saying something— anthemra
- Werth, apologize? ... The next time I see white trash like Werth apologize will be the first time.— PhightinPhil
- Uh-oh this seems to me like the beginning of a chain of events that all lead to a bitter ending to Werth's time here in philly. Scott Rolen anyone?— cje246
That was Bartman kind of stuff. The fan should have known that he needs to let the Phillie make the catch.— wylies99- The Father is really not at fault. It is just an instinctive reaction.....by the way, a nice catch by him. Werth was correct to be upset, but using that language with a kid there is inexcusable. He and the Phillies owe the kid an apology. Jason Werth is slowly but surely setting the stage for his departure. He said on tv his actions were because he was a competitor. Is that also why he stepped off first earlier in the game and was doubled off in one of the bonehead plays of this year?— PaulDeon
- The Father is really not at fault. It is just an instinctive reaction.....by the way, a nice catch by him. Werth was correct to be upset, but using that language with a kid there is inexcusable. He and the Phillies owe the kid an apology. Jason Werth is slowly but surely setting the stage for his departure. He said on tv his actions were because he was a competitor. Is that also why he stepped off first earlier in the game and was doubled off in one of the bonehead plays of this year?— PaulDeon
- There is no excuse for a player screaming an expletive at a fan in a situation like that. The Phillies organization should formally apologize to the fan. Was at the game last night...Werth failed to reach for several balls hit close to him, so why should the fan think that Jayson would take that opportunity to give an extra effort.— philvill
- Maybe the fan should be tasered for interfering? Seriously, it's much ado about nothing. Werth should apologize, contact the fan, and sign a ball. Where are the Phils' media people on this?— GregBull
- Watching the film, I'm not sure the guy saw Werth coming. I guess I don't blame Werth for being mad, but I don't think anyone is at fault here. But Werth should watch his language.— barb908
- I read a lot of 'not in the field of play' comments. Wow. Any ball that is catchable is obviously in the field of play, why else would a player even make the attempt...why would catchers go sliding into dugouts to catch a pop foul - that's 'not in the field of play' either. And why do team-mates stay out of the way for balls near the dugout, even for opposing teams? Fans should understand these situations and maintain game awareness. Clearly Werth should have the maturity to circle back and make a gesture of apology but I cannot believe what I am reading here from the idiots who think souvenir first, my kid may be in danger and oh, that poor dad. Now I see he's on TV - clearly he's never played the game before, another phony fan who scored some tickets. First time at a game skippy? Way to go airhead, just like little league, here's your 5th place ribbon for just showing up. Any fan who has a ticket in the first row should know it comes with the fan-support-obligation to remain aware that your guy can catch a ball right WHERE YOU ARE SITTING. Get it, grown man of a fan? You're not a clueless teenage girl with a marry-me sign. Being oblivious at sporting events is not an option. No wonder players get fed up with fan behavior and then are belligerent when expected to apologize. In the moment Werth was totally justified...just like Moises Alou was during that Chicago playoff game. Wonder if Skippy the baseball-dad even knows about that well publicized incident?
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- Fans need to get out of the way if there is any possibility of a play being made - problem is that both the fan & Werth are looking at the ball, not each other. That makes incidents like this inevitable. Glad to see Jayson show some intensity (tons of fans question his heart & focus on these pages), but he has to show some manners too.— Ed3
- The fan should have punched Werth in the fist with his face !— BIGWILLIE3367
- can't blame Jason for this one... The team is under a lot of pressure right now. It was in the heat of the moment. i guarantee when they watch the video nobody will complain about what jason said. I think the kid will laugh at it as well as the parent. i know i would— BBAX
- Werth said this in the heat of the moment. However he should get in touch with the dad and the kid and give them a signed ball or bat or a ticket to anothet ballgame.— fjulio
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