The NLDS series between the Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies has been action-packed and drama-filled. And even more controversy arose in their Game 4 matchup on Thursday night.
There is obvious bad blood between these teams, both because they are National League East rivals, and due to comments made in the Braves locker room towards Phillies star Bryce Harper.
During Game 2 of the series, Braves shortstop Orlando Arcia mocked Harper following a base-running snafu.
After, Fox Sports’ Jake Mintz reported Arcia said “ha-ha, atta-boy, Harper,” in the clubhouse, postgame.
Word got back to the Phillies players about these comments, and it caused a ton of animosity between the teams on top of the rivalry they already have.
It seems like this incident has incensed Phillies fans heading into Game 4 of the series on Thursday. According to Chris O’Connell of Fox 29 in Philadelphia, the Braves dugout complained to security about heckling Phillies fans in the game’s early stages.
Braves bullpen is complaining about heckling Phillies fans. One Phillies fan was just told by security to move out because he “got a radio call” from bullpen. pic.twitter.com/yO9u87zyVH
— Chris O'Connell (@CoconnellFox29) October 13, 2023
Fans took notice of this report, and most blatantly called out the Braves bullpen for their complaint in such a big game where tensions are obviously high for fans.
Genuinely, legitimately the softest, whiniest organization in professional sports https://t.co/6eA9wfgsgm
— not matt (@PanasonicDX4500) October 13, 2023
Real big “but I’m daddy’s special boy” energy coming from the braves https://t.co/7aVnvIV1MD
— nichole (@mmm_cereal) October 13, 2023
https://twitter.com/4eversasha_/status/1712636663594123371
Did someone throw something? Otherwise c’mon. https://t.co/jYcsSxRGUS
— Frank Klose (@FrankKlose) October 13, 2023
This is the most rattled team in the history of sports https://t.co/uAQiuV77ba
— Gabe Fernandez, it’s so hold over (@thelatinochild) October 13, 2023
It’s obviously unclear exactly what these fans near the bullpen said to some of the Braves pitchers. If it was something that crossed a line, then obviously they should be told to move or be kicked out of the game entirely.
However, if it was simply some common trash talk, then fans have every right to call the Braves “soft” considering how much this game means to both teams.
