Booing has been a specific practice in Philadelphia sports for decades.
It goes all the way back to the Joe Kuharich days of coaching the Eagles at the legendary Franklin Field. Fans would shout “Joe Must Go.” Thus, the so called negative ritual has been a main stay in the history of Philadelphia sports for generations.
As Philadelphians, we’ve booed opposing players and fans. We’ve even chastised members of our own for not hustling or giving appropriate effort. With this reputation, the national media has dubbed Philly fans “The Boo Birds.”
Well Tuesday night at Citizens Bank Park, “The Boo Birds” re-surfaced for another controversial bashing.
Cole Hamels pitched a brief and frustrating 2.2 innings, allowing six earned runs and seven hits, two of which came via the swing of opposing hurler Chris Young in the same frame. As he walked off the field towards the dugout, he was greeted with a classic Philadelphia boo. After one start, Hamels’ ERA is 20.25.
The next day, several members of the media from various different outlets felt it was out of place to treat Hamels like that after just 
one outing. They considered it inappropriate and foolish due to the lengthy, marathon-like schedule in Major League Baseball.
Do not be mistaken, Hamels will rebound and have a great season. His natural ability to strike hitters out will get him through 30 plus starts alone.
But, that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t have gotten a less than warm reception after getting pulled on Tuesday.
His performance was a carry over of a 6.67 ERA in spring training. He was facing the dreaded Mets on a frigid night in South Philadelphia, following one of the best season opening series in franchise history. The fan base went from being on this great high to 
such a frustrating low. As fans, our natural reaction to such an underachieving outing is to boo. We’re showing that we care and expect more from such a talent.
We don’t dislike Hamels. We’re trying to motivate him to do better and play to his potential.
Still, some wonder why Joe Blanton wasn’t booed as viciously the very next day when he let the Mets come all the way back. The reason is the Phils weren’t down 6-0. There was still a competitive game at hand and the Phils weren’t getting blown out. Not to mention, more is expected from Hamels than Blanton. He’s a part of the “four aces.”
It’s a fans right to show displeasure. It’s Hamels job to pitch well.
Despite it being only the fourth game, what’s the problem with displaying a little negative emotion
I don’t agree that the fans had a good reason to boo. I don’t boo my own players for any reason, because to me it’s counterproductive. I do get why, in certain circumstances some people do it, but this was not one of them. It’s not a lack of effort which is really the only reason to let someone know your not happy with their performance. If you want to boo, try a WWE event. You need to boo there.
Was anyone booing last night at Cliff Lee’s performance, I was.. He was throwing mid to upper 80’s and right down the plate against the Atlanta Braves last night… None of these Pitchers or players are immune from poor performances or boos from the fans in my opinion.. It’s part of the territory and why they make the big bucks and if they can’t take the heat, then they shouldn’t play in PHilly or any other city that has passionate fans.. .