Seven years later, Phillies fans still haven't forgiven Jayson Werth for signing with the division-rival Nationals.
Even though it's ludicrous to blame the guy for taking a $126 million contract.
Werth, who on Friday hit a three-run homer in the Phillies' home opener that broke the game open and eventually proved crucial in a 7-6 win, was booed lustily by the Citizens Bank Park crowd when his name was announced pregame.
Clearly unbothered by it, Werth tipped his cap to the crowd.
He enjoys the give and take.
"What? What happened?" Werth said jokingly when asked about his response to the boos. "I was just happy to be back in Philadelphia."
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It is a bit surprising that this many years later, Phillies fans haven't gotten over Werth's departure. The Phillies' offer to him in the winter of 2010 was for about one-third of what the Nationals offered. How many people would turn down a raise that massive, one that not only sets you up for life but also sets up generations and generations of your family?
Werth did say some things on his way out the door that rubbed Phillies fans the wrong way. That explains some of it.
One reporter asked Werth whether he thinks he'll ever come to Philadelphia and get a positive reception.
"I don't know, do you? Maybe next year," he said.
Next year?
"Nothing really surprises me in this game anymore. I do know that I am a free agent after the end of the year …"
Werth said it in a half-joking tone, but the point was basically, those who hate you today can love you tomorrow.
Either way, that reunion won't happen. Just wouldn't make sense given all the outfielders in the Phillies' farm system, where they are in their rebuild and the fact that Werth turns 38 in May.
Yes, he turns 38 in May. Time flies, doesn't it? This is Werth's seventh season with the Nationals, and his homer Friday was his 101st with Washington. He's already played in 199 more regular-season games with the Nats than he did with the Phillies.
Still, though, Werth's best days came in Philly. It was where he established himself as an everyday player and where he laid the foundation for that nine-figure payday. In four seasons with the Phillies, Werth hit .282 with a .380 on-base percentage, and in his final two seasons here hit 63 home runs.
"I've always loved this place," he said hours after delivering the decisive blow to spoil the Phils' home opener. "The fans and playing in this ballpark, it means a lot to me."
