Orlando Hudson: Home Fans Aren’t Supposed to Boo Their Players

The San Diego Padres are tied with the Houston Astros for the worst record in baseball. They’ve scored the fewest runs in MLB (only 70 through 25 games) averaging fewer than three runs per game. This was supposed to be a “rebuilding year” after the team traded Adrian Gonzalez to Boston, but they signed Brad Hawpe, Jorge Cantu, and Orlando Hudson to try and improve the offense. The problem is Cantu and Hawpe have been unproductive while Hudson has only been slightly better. Some fans have responded by booing the team, and that hasn’t sat well with Hudson.

“Pad fans keep supporting us we need yall behind us. Home fans aren’t suppose 2 boo ur own players” Hudson wrote on twitter. He responded to a fan saying “trust me boos don’t bother me at all lil shawty. Cause where I’m from u better have thick skin.” Then Hudson compared Padres fans to St. Louis fans “I have seen Cardinal fans cheer a guy when he was struggling an I was like wow dats tight.”

Apparently Hudson missed the part about Ryan Franklin complaining earlier this season that St. Louis fans were booing him, but that’s besides the point.

Hudson continued to respond to fans on twitter.

“yeah but ppl are booing my man Hawpe dat ain cool. U should look up his stats b4 booin … let me tell u sumn dog Ludwick an Hawpe can play in my lineup everyday bud. U better check da back of there baseball cards.”

I really like how Hudson is sticking up for his teammates and defending them in the face of criticism. I also understand why he wants fans to support the team rather than boo them. But just like Hudson says home fans aren’t supposed to boo their players, Cantu, Hawpe, Ludwick, Venable, Hudson, Headley, Bartlett, aren’t supposed to be hitting below .250 with an OPS lower than .700.

Booing players is a personal choice that doesn’t necessarily demonstrate high character, but it is a fan’s right. I understand Hudson’s position, but he has to realize there’s going to be immeasurable fan disappointment with an offense that is the worst in baseball. He really should be happy they continue to buy tickets to support a team with an offense that bad. Seriously though, we shouldn’t be surprised by what Hudson says — he’s always been known to speak his mind.