The American League shut out the National League 4-0 in Tuesday's 96th Midsummer Classic, but let's be real, that wasn't the headline folks were talking about after the game. The actual story from Citizens Bank Park? Philadelphia fans spent way more time booing than cheering all week long. Seriously, the crowd made its feelings known, loudly, and it was wild to watch.
Hometown Hopes Turn Sour
The stage was set for a massive week of adoration for the hometown Phillies stars. You had Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper headlining the Home Run Derby. Cristopher Sánchez was tapped to start for the National League, and Brandon Marsh got voted in as a starter. Plus, Jesus Luzardo and Jhoan Duran made their first All-Star appearances, which is always cool to see. Sure, veteran Zack Wheeler got famously snubbed, one of the most egregious in recent memory, but still, there were plenty of reasons for the Philly faithful to go nuts. Instead, the booing started early and just kept rolling. Saturday's MLB Draft at the Pennsylvania Convention Center set the tone. Fans booed commissioner Rob Manfred to open things up, then aggressively jeered every time a division rival or the Houston Astros were on the clock. It was a constant theme, especially since the Phillies themselves didn't make their first pick until No. 36. Even Sunday's Futures Game wasn't immune, with a calmer crowd still managing to boo Braves prospect Cam Caminiti and Mets first baseman Ryan Clifford. You knew then this week was gonna be different.Derby Disappointment Sets the Stage
Monday's Home Run Derby cranked the dissatisfaction up tenfold. Everyone expected Schwarber and Harper to own the night, but it ended up being highly entertaining yet totally disappointing for anyone hoping to see a Phillie grab that Liberty Bell-themed chain. Harper got knocked out in the first round. Schwarber rallied to reach the final, but not without some drama in the semifinals against Willson Contreras, who endured an absolute barrage of boos trying to beat Schwarber's score. Schwarber blasted 11 homers in the final, making a stadium-shaking triumph feel possible. But then Walker, shaking off those relentless boos, just caught fire late, upsetting the regular-season home run leader and leaving the CBP crowd in stunned silence. You could feel the air go out of the place. So, it's no surprise the booing kept going Tuesday. Pregame saw Mr. Met get a cacophony of disapproval during the mascot parade. Player intros brought more boos for every Yankee, Met, Brave, and Dodger, and honestly, any National League pitcher who was there instead of Wheeler got it too. Sánchez, with a chance to flip the script, floundered in the top of the first. He needed 34 pitches to get three outs and gave up three early runs. Luzardo did toss a scoreless fourth, but Schwarber, Marsh, and Harper combined for an ugly 0-for-5 with four strikeouts. By the time Dave Roberts brought in Duran in the eighth, the crowd's response to his normally electric entrance was understandably tepid. Rays reliever Bryan Baker recorded the final out, sealing the AL's dominant showing. What a week in Philly, right? It was supposed to be a celebration of baseball, a showcase of the best talent. Instead, it became a masterclass in fan disapproval. The AL took home the win, but Philadelphia fans earned the unofficial booing championship. It was a Midsummer Classic unlike any other, for sure.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.