Skip to content
Phillies

All-Stars weigh in on Philly fans’ boos during Home Run Derby, receive a (mostly) warm reception on the red carpet

MLB All-Stars had nothing but nice things to say about Philly fans on the 2026 red carpet. “The fans are very intense and they love it," said Guardians second baseman Travis Bazzana.

Fans attending the red carpet on Tuesday before the All-Star Game were a lot nicer to opposing players than Monday night at the Home Run Derby.
Fans attending the red carpet on Tuesday before the All-Star Game were a lot nicer to opposing players than Monday night at the Home Run Derby.Read moreMonica Herndon / Staff Photographer

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.

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.

    Ariel Simpson
    I'm a trending sports reporter for The Inquirer, focusing on the stories that take place off the field.
Join The Conversation
Community Guidelines