So I was down in Philly on Saturday and watched the Mets game with some college friends from the area. Needless to say I was outnumbered by Philly’s fans and it was not an enjoyable experience. I believe it’s common sports knowledge that Philadelphia fans happen to be the most obnoxious fans in the country (Angels fans come in at a close second for the sole reason of popularizing thunder sticks). Being the only Mets fan, I took a ton of flack from my Philly counterparts without much to come back with. Honestly, this did not bother me. I was prepared for it and, seriously, how can anyone talk smack about the Mets this season with their injuries? Even some of the Philly fans I was forced to watch the game with gave me a semi-pass because of the freak coincidences of hurt all stars littering the Mets disabled list.

The thing that bothered me, though, was the broadcast of the game. The commentators were pretty biased but even that was okay with me; it’s Phillies v. Mets after all. But later in the game, the local Philly station that televises the team (MyPhi17) showed a fist-fight in the stands on the air. Now I would be lying if I said that this would not have bothered me as much if the Mets fan wasn’t the one getting the poop beaten out of him but in either case this is not the type of thing a responsible television network should be airing. I’ve posted the video below.

I understand that this is a heated rivalry and fights will break out especially when the consumption of alcohol takes place, which was clearly the case in this instance. But for the network to televise such an altercation is sending a horrible message to kids watching the game. Even worse, the commentators sounded like this was a frequent occurrence, which I’m sure it is in Philadelphia. They don’t condemn the Phillies fan, who seemed entirely at fault, but made him look like a tough guy saying “Don’t mess with that guy.” It’s no wonder that Philly fans have no class. They grow up in an environment that glorifies the worst aspect of sports fans.

When I go to a baseball game, I’m not looking to argue and fight with other fans. I’m going to enjoy a nice day at the ballpark and hopefully watch the Mets win (hence I’ve only been to Citi Field twice this season…) When I drink, I’m aware that there are families attending the game as well and I keep that in mind in regards to my behavior. After getting to know a lot of Philly fans in college, maybe I shouldn’t be this surprised or outraged but the Mets haven’t exactly done anything lately to put me in a good mood.