Are Rays’ Fans Too Polite? Some Philly Rooters Think So

Posted Oct 24, 2008 by Ira Kaufman

Updated Oct 24, 2008 at 12:08 PM

Tampa Bay area baseball fans are now being ridiculed for being too polite.

According to a story published in today’s Philadelphia Daily News, Rays fans sat on their hands Thursday during a 4-2 victory against the Phillies in Game 2 of the World Series.

“Where are we … at the library?’’ Phillies fan Brian Fifield of Burlington County, N.J., said in the report. “It’s been great being down here, but it’s not the same as being in Philly.’‘

The series shifts to Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, where rain is forecast for Saturday night’s scheduled Game 3.

Philadelphia sports fans take pride in their reputation as fierce supporters. Before the Tampa Bay Buccaneers closed down Philadelphia’s Veterans Stadium by upsetting the Eagles in the NFC Championship game during the 2002-03 season, the Vet was widely regarded as one of the least accommodating venues for visiting fans, who risked physical harm if they showed up in visiting colors.

The headline of today’s Daily News story is: “Tropicana rooters are awful friendly.’‘

Are you OK with that reputation, or is it important that Phillies fans be made to feel uncomfortable?