Really, Paplebon?

Jonathan Paplebon was quoted today saying that Philly fans "tend to know the game a little better" than Red Sox fans do. Even going as far as to say that Boston fans get "a little more hysterical when it comes to the game of baseball."

Pap's went on to say:

“It’s a religion (in Boston). It’s a way of life,” Papelbon said. “(Fans) come to the field and they expect certain things out of players. …It’s an environment where you put up or shut up. I enjoyed that. That’s what got my motor running every day. … I’ve had a guy take off his prosthetic leg and throw it in the bullpen in Boston and want me to sign it.”

His excuse for why Philly fans know more: “being in the National League, you know, the way the game is played.”

There's a lot of things I could say to these statements but in the end I completely understand where Paplebon is coming from. He's trying to endear himself to a new city while at the same time appeasing his former fan base, but he went about it all wrong.

Of course Boston fans are hysterical when it comes to their teams. Would you rather we be passive? Just marauding around as some fair weather fans not really caring about the outcome - only about the show. Does this look like a Lakers game, John?

You want to talk hysterical?

Let's take a look at those knowledgable Phillies fans and see what they expect from their players. In August of 2010 a Phillies fan was arrested for intentionally vomiting on an 11 year old girl. Nice right?

Here is an excerpt from the story from the New York Daily News:

Matthew Clemmens, 21, is accused of a unique criminal act that is also uniquely disgusting. He was arrested after allegedly vomiting on purpose on an 11-year-old girl at a Phillies game.

Off-duty Easton Police Capt. Michael Vangelo insists that Clemmens stuck his fingers down his throat to accomplish the vile act and then slugged him in the head several times.
He says that Clemmens and his friend were swearing loudly from the start of the game — prompting his 15-year-old daughter to ask them to stop. That allegedly led to spitting by the men — hitting his daughter. Clemmens’ friend was escorted from the stadium after they complained. Vangelo says that Clemmens then said loudly that he was going to be sick and put his fingers down his throat — vomiting on the family.

Judging from Matthews mug shot he's about as knowledgable as they come. It's just a shame he studies the Phillies instead of " The Handbook for Obesity Treatment." But wait, there's more!!

Phillies fans think throwing batteries is a normal thing. It hasn't just happened once and it's not always just batteries. But when it came to JD Drew and their first black player Dick Allen it you can bet you ass it was about batteries. For different reasons, sure, but were they warranted? Hardly.

All JD Drew did was sign for more money and as for Dick? Well Philly fans just plain old didn't like him because he was black.

Yeah, Boston doesn't have the best history in regards to race and sure the Red Sox were the last team to integrate. But we've never thrown batteries at a player to the point that he had to wear a batting helmet in the field. (In Philly an Olerud helmet just wouldn't do)

So good luck with the fans in Philly.

Because if you blow a save they won't be making it rain with boo's like in Boston. Phillies fans will make it hail with batteries.