Redemption thy name is … Alec Bohm?
A night after a disastrous three-error game, and taking his frustration out on fans in a moment of weakness, Bohm appeared as a pinch-hitter against the Mets, subbing in for Simon Muzziotti in the bottom half of the eighth inning. Bohm received a warm welcome from fans at Citizens Bank Park, who greeted the embattled slugger with a standing ovation.
Bohm, a former third overall pick who finished runner-up to Brewers ace Devin Williams for National League Rookie of the Year in 2020, was caught venting on camera Monday night, remarking, “I f---ing hate this place” after garnering sarcastic applause for a routine put-out at third base. The 25-year-old acknowledged his mistake after the game, apologizing for lashing out amid his defensive struggles.
While Philly sports fans have gained a reputation for being unusually critical of their players (see Ben Simmons), most have rallied around Bohm, appreciative of his candor and dedication. They say apathy is the enemy of progress, and though Bohm’s anger may have been misplaced, at least he cared enough to show it.
After an offseason spending spree that saw them splurge on All-Stars Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos, the Phillies now boast one of the most potent lineups in all of baseball, though some wonder if that emphasis has come at the expense of their defense with six errors and a league-worst .968 fielding percentage through five games.
Bohm grounded out in his lone at-bat Tuesday as the Phillies would ultimately fall 2-0 despite out-hitting the Mets 6-3.
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