This 17-year-old from Lower Merion was booed during the Home Run Derby. He called it ‘an honor.’ - Inquirer.com
A 17-year-old from Pennsylvania went viral after failing to catch a ball during the MLB Home Run Derby and being booed by the Philadelphia crowd. The teenager embraced the experience, viewing the negative reaction as a quintessential part of the local sports culture.
Why it matters
This story highlights the intersection of viral social media culture and the intense, often performative nature of fan engagement in professional sports.
On Monday night, Reed Weiner was standing in left-center field at Citizens Bank Park when the Cardinals’ Jordan Walker hit a pop-up to center.
It was the first round of the Home Run Derby, and Weiner and his friend, Ashton Kaliner, were shagging baseballs.
Weiner started running and stuck his glove out, but didn’t catch it. He received a hearty round of boos from the Philadelphia crowd.
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Weiner’s misplay, and the ensuing reaction, quickly went viral on social media. Within 20 minutes, he started to receive a flood of text messages.
Family members and friends saw the video on Jomboy, Barstool, Bleacher Report, and House of Highlights. Some pointed to it as evidence of Philadelphia’s cruelty.
Not Philly fans booing after this kid didn’t make the catch 😭 The T‑Mobile Home Run Derby is LIVE NOW on Netflix! #HRDerby pic.twitter.com/9wKJOdCGIe
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