Philadelphia Phillies Fans Wage War Against Atlanta Braves Mascot
Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images; Todd Kirkland/Getty Images
Philadelphia Phillies fans have waged a war against the Atlanta Braves mascot, Blooper, and it could not be funnier. It all started when the Braves mascot, Blooper, had some disparaging remarks to say about the Phillies fans on X.
“My favorite thing about Philly fans is how well adjusted they are, probably the most even keel fanbase out there,” said “Blooper” on X on October 6, 2023, just a day ahead of the NLDS Game 1. The Phillies were about to play the Braves, and things were getting heated.
The broad, sweeping statement about the fanbase ruffled a few feathers. When will people learn to not poke the bear that is a collective of Philadelphia sports fans?
After getting completely flamed for the tweet above, including comparisons to the Phillies Phanatic, Blooper sent this out:
Mind you, this is the OFFICIAL BLOOPER ACCOUNT. What!? This was definitely not the way to respond to Philly fans. Don’t mess with OUR son, the Phillie Phanatic. I mean, look at yourself, Blooper. A beige, lukewarm imitation of the best mascot in sports. Get real.
The app, X, was then set ablaze with tons of posts speaking out against Blooper. Tons of hilarious memes came out of the exchange. Blooper does not hold a candle to the Phanatic, and he needs to know that. Philadelphians waged an all-out social media war against the Braves mascot.
Then, on Saturday, October 7, the Braves lost to the Phillies 3-0.
Yes, as a city, we learned the power of positivity from the whole Trea Turner ordeal. We gave him support and he delivered. But, as soon as you speak out against our teams, our city, our MASCOTS…the toxicity returns. And honestly, it may be warranted. Bloopers comments lit the fire that led to the explosive performance by the Phils in Game 1 of the NLDS.
So, moral? Not sure. But Phillies fans are NOT happy with the Braves mascot. Blooper, if you’re reading this, I hope you learned not to mess with us and OUR SON, the Phanatic.
More Phillies:
NLDS Series Schedule: Philadelphia Phillies vs. Atlanta Braves
The Philadelphia Phillies swept the Miami Marlins to advance to the National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves. The NLDS rematch from October 2022 has found its way back onto the postseason schedule. The battle for supremacy in the NL East is finally here.
Phillies, Braves Have NLDS History
After the Braves won the NL East in 2022, the Phillies ambushed them with a convincing 3-1 series win. The two teams split Games 1 and 2 at Truist Park in Atlanta. When the Phillies returned to Citizens Bank Park for their first home playoff game in 11 years, the Braves didn’t know what hit them.
Red October made its return, and Rhys Hoskins got the home team going. His home run off Spencer Strider in Game 3 ignited a crowd deprived of playoff baseball for too long.
The Phillies rolled to emphatic 9-1 and 8-3 victories in Philadelphia to close out a team that finished 14 games ahead of them in the regular season standings.
Rematch in 2023 MLB Playoffs
The Braves cruised to a 104-58 record during the regular season. They belted 307 home runs, tying a major league record. Ronald Acuna Jr. hit 41 home runs and stole 73 bases. He is the overwhelming favorite to win the NL MVP Award. Matt Olsen led the majors in home runs with 54 and RBI with 139.
Tim Kurkjian of ESPN spoke on The John Kincade Show about the mentality the Braves have facing a team that stunned them last October. Are they scared of the Phillies?
“I don’t think so. When you hit over 300 homers in a season, I don’t think anything is in your head, except for ‘We’re going to score 10 runs tonight.’ That’s how the Braves are operating, but have they suddenly forgotten that the Phillies beat them last year? Of course not.” -Tim Kurkjian
The Phillies barely threatened the Braves in the division race in 2023. However, this collision course has been brewing all season. The renewed rivalry between the Phillies and the Braves just might become the highlight of the 2023 MLB Playoffs.
Phillies-Braves NLDS Schedule
Gina Cosenza is a digital content coordinator for Beasley Media Group Philadelphia. She has been with the company for a year, writing and assisting with all things social. As a content creator in Philadelphia, Gina covers all things Philly sports, food, music, and lifestyle