PHILADELPHIA — The mind of a Philadelphia sports fan is simple.

If you are an opposing player, you will get booed. Simple enough right?

For the first time since 1996, Philadelphia is playing host to the Major League Baseball All-Star Game. A game that has been played in Philly four other times. This is the first at Citizens Bank Park.

The manager of the National League squad is Dave Roberts, skipper of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers, who notably eliminated the Phillies from the playoffs a season ago, likely won’t be received well during introductions.

I asked Roberts what he was expecting when his name is called on Tuesday night.

“Um, probably not a warm reception.” 

He complimented the fanbase, stating “Obviously a tremendous fanbase. A very knowledgeable, passionate fanbase.”

He does not expect himself nor his players to get a standing ovation by any means. 

“I don’t think… me and the Dodgers will be too well received tomorrow night.”

Foes turned friends

For one night only, Roberts’ will be a friend to the Phillies.

He will lead the group of Cristopher Sanchez, Brandon Marsh, Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber and Jhoan Duran into battle as the National League looks to defeat the American League.

MORE: Home Run Derby preview and staff picks

Joining forces with the Dodgers is not where the buck stops. 

“They got some pretty passionate fans, I will say that” was Atlanta Braves star catcher Drake Baldwin’s reaction when asked about playing at Citizens Bank Park.

Baldwin is the reigning National League Rookie of the Year. He will be catching Sanchez when the game kicks off. 

“It’s going to be really cool” said Baldwin about getting the chance to  catch Sanchez. “He is a pretty special pitcher, I’ve faced him a couple times, he’s not the most fun to face.”

Normally Baldwin and his teammates are enemy number one. On Tuesday, he will work alongside the Phillies’ ace.

Ozzie Albies, Atlanta Braves’ second baseman, is hopeful the Braves get a positive response.

“It means a lot to be playing an All-Star Game at this stadium, hopefully [during] the fans are on our side, and not booing us like they normally do when we play against them.”

While I don’t expect Albies to have his wish granted, it shows a unique side to the game of baseball.

Foster Griffin, starting pitcher of the Washington Nationals, is not exactly a household name. Griffin spent time in Japan before this season to try and rebuild himself as a pitcher.

Now, he finds himself in the throws of a division race in the National League East.

I asked what he anticipates what the crowd’s reaction will be like when his name is called. He laughed, then replied “Oh we’ll see, I have no idea. We will have to wait and see what happens there.”

Two different division rivals had two different opinions on what to expect from the Philly crowd. 

All-Star Game

The National League is 44-48-2 all time against the American League in baseball’s mid summer classic. 

While the All-Star Game no longer holds any weight, the entire week of festivities remains the best in professional sports.

MORE: A look at the history of All-Star Games in Philadelphia

Philadelphia will try and rally their league to its 45th victory in his event.

Six members of the Phillies will take the big stage in their home ballpark on Tuesday night. 

For one night only, they will join alongside some of their bitter rivals to try and pick up a win. 

Keywords

All-Star Game,

Dave Roberts,

Phillies,

Dodgers,

Braves,

Ozzie Albies,

Drake Baldwin,

ASG 2026,

Philadelphia,

Citizens Bank Park.