New York Mets third baseman David Wright was booed by Pittsburgh Pirates fans on Friday at PNC Park, and it’s all because of a Home Run Derby snub.
This year’s All-Star Game is being played at Citi Field, so Wright was named captain of the NL Derby team. He chose Bryce Harper, Carlos Gonzalez, and longtime Virginia friend Michael Cuddyer as his teammates. Wright initially omitted Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez from the team, even though Alvarez was tied for second in the NL with 22 home runs at the time. Wright did add Alvarez to the squad after Gonzalez pulled out with an injury, but Pirates fans did not forget the initial snub. They let Wright hear it with boos on Friday, though Wright said he didn’t mind the noise.
“It’s kind of cool that they’re that passionate about their players,” Wright said after the game, via the New York Daily News. “I am not going to lose any sleep about getting booed a couple of games in Pittsburgh, that’s for sure.
“But it seems like [Pirates fans are] knowledgeable about what’s going on. And it’s kind of cool. Like I said, they’re that upset about it and passionate about it. It made for a nice atmosphere.”
Pirates fans may have had it in for Wright at first, but I’m sure the team’s 11-inning win over the Mets was all the revenge they needed.
Like Wright said, you’ll never be able to please everyone when selecting Derby teams. Someone is always going to be left out, leaving the captain will take the heat. Last year it was Robinson Cano drawing the ire of Kansas City Royals fans, and this year it’s Wright with Pirates fans.
