Game 3 of the World Series matchup between the Houston Astros and the Philadelphia Phillies was postponed due to inclement weather, but Astros pitcher Justin Verlander caught the attention of many around the MLB world with a hilarious video that emerged on Monday.
Video emerged of the Astros arriving in Citizen Bank Park prior to the game getting postponed. Verlander made his opinions of Phillies fans very clear in the video, flipping off Phillies fans that were outside of the stadium.
Oh hey, here’s @JustinVerlander entering the Citizens Bank Park for Game 3 of the World Series and flipping the bird to Phillies fans not once but TWICE. #GoPhillies #GoPhils #Philly #Philadelphia #Phillies @barstoolsports @BarstoolPhilly @NBCPhiladelphia pic.twitter.com/K1BByHAorY
— Darren ™ (@darren04) October 31, 2022
While many may think this was out of malice from Verlander, he seemed to have a smile on his face in the video.
He later found the video on social media, and addressed his reasoning for flipping the bird to the Phillies fans in attendance.
“All the context Darren… Whole interaction was in jest as all the fans around you were just saying hello in their native tongue. So I responded in kind. All in good fun. I enjoyed the banter.”
All the context Darren… Whole interaction was in jest as all the fans around you were just saying hello in their native tongue. So I responded in kind. 🤣 🤣 all in good fun. I enjoyed the banter. Also, nobody broke the window. Was just like that 🤷🏻♂️ https://t.co/PSk5jzK2nT
— Justin Verlander (@JustinVerlander) October 31, 2022
Obviously we cannot see behind the person filming in this video, but this response by Verlander likely indicates that the fans were flipping him off as well and simply returned the gesture.
Regardless, many around the MLB world praised Verlander for his playful viral moment on social media.
Justin Verlander, life long contract. pic.twitter.com/4QCWsCcCcB
— Michael Schwab (@michaelschwab13) October 31, 2022
Justin Verlander, to Phillies fans upon arrival today. Twice. 🖕🏻 pic.twitter.com/tyBpxCz1ov
— Dan Clark (@DanClarkSports) October 31, 2022
Justin Verlander is a man of the people! This wasn't a personal thing haha. https://t.co/iQzHXZKYN0
— Joey Mistretta (@JoeyMistretta_) November 1, 2022
Justin Verlander confirmed the window was already broken and he was giving the phinatics a taste of thier own medicine, in kind. JV is the ultimate competitor. https://t.co/CZNMKUFcTV
— Htown Wheelhouse™️2X World Series Champs '17, '22 (@HtownWheelhouse) October 31, 2022
Justin Verlander, respect. 😂 https://t.co/b2D5RdGxes
— John Russo (@ACPress_Russo) October 31, 2022
Literally nobody was offended and everyone in Philly was like "OMG we need to sign Justin Verlander immediately, he's one of us." https://t.co/envr6umXZW
— David B. Larter (@DavidLarter) October 31, 2022
Philadelphia fans are as passionate as any sports city in the United States, so it was certainly comedic to see Justin Verlander give them a taste of their own medicine on Monday.
The Phillies lit up Verlander for five earned runs in an Houston’s Game 1 loss, but he will have his chance to get his revenge in Game 5 later this week.
