Every postseason, a familiar sequence unfolds: a player makes a statement during a press conference, then that quote quickly spreads across social media, often becoming an unintentional source of “motivation” for the opposing fan base.
This precise scenario played out with Merrill Kelly as he prepared to take the mound at Citizens Bank Park for Game 2.
Kelly’s comment touched upon the vibrant atmosphere in Philadelphia, which he openly acknowledged as being raucous. However, it was his comparison to the noise level he experienced during the World Baseball Classic that left fans annoyed.
As he rightly noted, the WBC created a unique atmosphere, one that stood apart from anything witnessed.
And, as part of his quote, Kelly even mentioned the fan reaction to when Trea Turner, a member of the Phillies, hit a grand slam against Venezuala in the WBC.
Of course, these crucial details were omitted from the narrative, leaving Kelly to defend himself in the aftermath of his Game 2 performance.
Post-game, Kelly addressed reporters, expressing his frustration: “Before that little snit bit was taken out of context and made into something that was probably something more than it should have been.”
Video credits to @SportsRadioWIP
It’s important to note that Kelly attended the Phillies’ appearance in the 2022 NLCS. During his time in the bleachers, he couldn’t help but remark that the atmosphere at Citizens Bank Park was precisely what he aspired to be a part of a year down the line.
More must-reads: