FORT MYERS, Fla.Andrew Bailey grew up just outside Philadelphia, a fan of the citys teams. And even though he is the new closer for the Red Sox he did not want to enter the fray caused by the teams former closer.
"Growing up a Phillies fan, they're great, too. But so far the Nation's pretty good," Bailey said.
"There's no reason to cause drama from my perspective. Your fans are the ones who go out and support you. For me, I love them all. Even in Oakland the fans are great out there . . . The fans that come to the game, theyre baseball fans. Its just like coming here. It wasnt a big deal for me because we have one common goal. Everyone loves the game of baseball. Same thing with the fans. So to say one fan base is better than the other, Ive never really seen that.But its definitely welcome to be here.This fan base has been awesome.
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Papelbons got to do his own thing down there. Hes got to embrace that fan base. Im thankful to here. Im looking forward to the opportunity.
But, he knows Phillies fans have high expectations.
When I was out in Citizens Bank Park I had my buddies yelling at me when I was warming up before the game. So they dont care.
Im a big Eagles fan and I do the same thingI yell at the TV all the time.