sport news Justin Verlander explains why he flipped the bird to Phillies fans ahead of ... trends now
Justin Verlander has revealed his thought process behind his decision to flick off Phillies fans ahead of Tuesday's Game 3 of the World Series, saying he was 'just saying hello in their native tongue' and responding 'in kind'.
The Astros pitcher, 39, didn't seem to stir any trouble upon the team's arrival at Citizen Bank Park via bus on Monday, with everyone seemingly in good spirits, including local fans, who are notoriously known for being rowdy and obnoxious at times.
'Oh hey, here's @JustinVerlander entering the Citizens Bank Park for Game 3 of the World Series and flipping the bird to Phillies fans not once but TWICE,' a Phillies fan called Darren tweeted on Tuesday, before the game was pushed back a day later due to bad weather.
'All the context Darren...,' Verlander responded. 'Whole interaction was in jest as all the fans around you were just saying hello in their native tongue. So responded in kind. all in good fun. I enjoyed the banter. Also, nobody broke the window. Was just like that.'
'All in good fun': Verlander greeted Phillies fans with a middle finger after getting off the Astros bus on Monday before Game 3 was pushed back. Phillies fans were recipient to the banter, as both sides laughed it off
Justin Verlander, 39, is 0-6 in all of his World Series starts, with a 6.07 ERA in eight starts
The Astros ace, who is 0-6 with a 6.07 ERA in eight starts in World Series games throughout his career, gave the middle finger while sitting on the team bus and while also getting off of it.
One more gesture of the same kind would have matched the number of days Game 3 of the World Series was delayed — postponed by rain with the matchup tied 1-1, pushing the entire Fall Classic
