MLB All-Star Game 2026: Philly fans do more booing than cheering as festivities conclude with AL shutting out the NL

By Jordan Shusterman — In News — July 15, 2026

   ​PHILADELPHIA — As the All-Star festivities at Citizens Bank Park drew to a close on Tuesday with the American League blanking the National League 4-0 in the 96th Midsummer Classic, one thing had become certain: The Philadelphia crowd had spent a lot more time booing than cheering.At the outset of the proceedings this week in Philly, the stage was set for a raucous display of support for the hometown stars. Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper were headlining the Home Run Derby. Ace Cristopher Sánchez was starting on the mound for the National League. Outfielder Brandon Marsh was voted in as a starter. Terrific southpaw Jesus Luzardo and closer Jhoan Duran were named All-Stars for the first time. Veteran right-hander Zack Wheeler was notably absent — one of the more egregious All-Star snubs in recent memory — but there were plenty of Phillies for the local faithful to shower with adoration.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementInstead, nothing quite went Philadelphia’s way this week, and a fan base known for its fierce loyalty and intense disdain for rivals made its feelings known — and heard. It began Saturday at the MLB Draft. The fans who filled the Grand Hall at the Pennsylvania Convention Center set the tone for the week with the customary booing of commissioner Rob Manfred to open the event, followed by aggressive jeers whenever a division rival (or the Houston Astros) was on the clock. That was a somewhat constant theme, as the spectators had to wait until pick No. 36 for the Phillies to make their first selection.At Sunday’s Futures Game, a more tame crowd still managed to muster some boos for Braves pitching prospect Cam Caminiti and Mets first baseman Ryan Clifford.Then on Monday, the dissatisfaction ratcheted up tenfold. A Home Run Derby primed for Schwarber and Harper to rule the night unfolded in highly entertaining yet disappointing fashion for those hoping to see a Phillie claim the Liberty Bell-themed chain. Harper failed to advance past the first round. Schwarber started slowly but rallied to reach the final, albeit not without a scare in the semifinals against Willson Contreras, who endured an absolute barrage of boos as he tried to top Schwarber’s second-round total.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementA stadium-shaking triumph appeared within reach when Schwarber swatted 11 long balls in the final, but Walker, defying the relentless boos raining down, caught fire late to upset the regular-season home run leader and leave the CBP crowd in stunned silence.It should come as no surprise then that the booing continued Tuesday. As a parade of major-league mascots took place pregame, Mr. Met was welcomed with a cacophony of disapproval. More boos followed during player intros, with each Yankee, Met, Brave and Dodger — and really any National League pitcher who was there instead of Wheeler — hearing them.Sánchez took the mound with a chance to restore some positive energy to the sellout crowd of 43,916, but instead he  

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