I went to the game tonight with Jonny, Kev and their families. The Padres were blown out in the 2nd inning. Clayton Richard got absolutely hammered. After watching that we left our seats and went to the Park to let their kids run around like crazy people.
When the families left, I watched the remainder of the game from a standing room area behind home plate. The Padres were able to load the bases in the 8th inning. Heath Bell was brought in to put a stop to what could have been a late inning rally. He was booed for about 5 seconds by the few Padres fans that were left. He wasn't heckled, he was booed, really gently. Twitter instantly did its best to shame those fans. Booing fans were called dumb and classless. Incredibly after Bell forced the Padres into an inning ending double play he was even praised.
I did not boo Bell, but I did last time he was in town as a Marlin and he blew the save. You're welcome. I always boo Adrian Gonzalez, every chance I get. I'll boo former Padres without blinking an eye. For me, it's nothing personal, it's business. Heath is a Diamondback standing between the Padres and a comeback. He's also super sensitive. If fans can get into Bell's head and make him screw up, all the better. If he enters the game without Padres on base or when the Padres have the lead, he probably doesn't get booed. It's very situational. But I've got no problems with fans booing him, no matter their reasoning. It's a baseball game for crying out loud, that's what happens when you're on the opposing team.
From what I understand Bell is a good guy. He loved being a Padre and was proud to represent the team in his time here. I applauded him many times for his accomplishments. He didn't do anything in a Padres uniform to warrant a booing. The thing is he's not a Padre anymore. If a player is trying to beat the Padres, I will defend a fan's right to boo them. Fans in San Diego are always being criticized for being too soft. Then they boo a former Padre and suddenly they're too harsh.
I got kind of fired up about it and called Craig Elsten and Bob Chandler. It was my first time ever calling a radio show. It was fun. I respect the hell out of both those guys. I just think that in the end a fan shouldn't be ashamed to boo an opposing player just because he used to be a Padre, especially when it could be the difference in the game.
Go Padres!