On Tuesday, ahead of the NLCS Game 2, this Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher made a statement. The statement reflected doubt about the opponent’s fanbase. Little did he know that poking the bear of the opposing fans would backfire. In the midst of the noise, a lesser-known fact about this D-Back is his association with Philadelphia, against whom he plays now. 

Facing the brunt of the apparent provocative statement, this Arizona ace reveals a time when he cheered for the Philadelphia Phillies. In spite of being a part of the Phiting Phils in his early years, he faces the wrath of today’s Phills. Is he misunderstood? Or does he deserve it? Fans on social media might present an answer. 

The Story of Arizona’s Pro Pitcher and Philadelphia Phillies

It all started when the starting pitcher in the Arizona vs. Philadelphia game, Merrill Kelly, made a public statement. His words, “I haven’t obviously heard this place on the field, but I’d be very surprised if it trumped that [WBC] Venezuela game down in Miami”, enraged the Philly-phandom. As an obvious result, the ever-so-passionate folks of Philly chewed him up. A recent video by Talkin’ Baseball surfaced on Instagram where Merrill Kelly was seen warming up while Phillies fans from the stands hurled loud cheers, attempting to prove his statement utterly wrong. But what the fans don’t know is that this 35-year-old is intrinsically a fan of his contenders. 

@TalkinBaseball_ tweeted early today revealing the 2019 debutant’s close connection with the team he pitches against this postseason. The tweet was a combination of a picture of an adorable little boy, Kelly, when he was young, in a red Phillies hat and a revelation about him. It said, “Diamondbacks Game 2 starter Merrill Kelly lived in Philadelphia for part of his childhood and cheered for the Phillies”. Now that it is out in the open, one question stands. Does Merrill Kelly deserve this? 

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Well, rewinding to an earlier time. Trea Turner hurled a fitting response to Kelly’s uncertainty about the fans’ vigor being lower than the WBC crowd. Siding with their team’s pro shortstop, the fans were resolute about strengthening Turner’s words. “We’ll see what he says after tonight’s game”, is what the 30-year-old said. And the Phillies fans cheered while Merrill warmed up, resting the case.  

Phillies Fans Chewed Merrill Kelly Up

With that, the social media fans from both sides came up with their sets of opinions. Some sided with Merrill, some with Trea Turner and some called the Phillies fans petty to be affected by a casual statement that was made. Nevertheless, these comments reflected one thing. Passion. 

Amid various comments, one comment about the game against Venezuela stood out. 

“Them Venezuela fans were definitely louder.”

Another fan gave an opinion on Arizona’s “poking the bear” strategy. 

“When are these players gonna learn “poking the bear” strategy against the opposing fans pretty much NEVER works”

Some fans pragmatically noted that it was not a big deal.
“All he did is compare them to how loud they were😭”

Also, there were a few who commented on the players. 

“This players don’t learn.”

Acknowledging that he was a Phillies fan during his childhood, one said, 

“Bro is literally a Philly fan and used to be in the crowd, he didn’t mean disrespect” 

With those comments cascading, it is now clear that the Phillies fans (petty or not) will chew up anyone who messes with them. Kelly, being the ace he is, keeps his calm and carries on. 

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Philadelphia and Arizona have put up nothing short of a nail-biter. One eagerly waits and watches.