Former Cardinals pitcher Chris Perez, now one of the Cleveland Indians leaders and closer, ragged on fans in Cleveland for their lack of support and booing the home team.
His comments came after a recent save in which he was booed for allowing a couple of batters on base before ending the game. The Indians have only one sellout this season…Opening Day.
In an article on ESPN.com, Perez said, “The fans are going to come, I know that,” Perez said. “It’s just a slap in the face when you’re in first place and last in attendance. Last. Not 25th or 26th. Last.”
Perez also objected to the hometown fans booing Indians players saying that was one of the reasons they can’t get big free agents. At the same time, he mentioned the loyal fan base of Cardinals nation. “Nobody wants to play in front of 5,000 fans. You had a choice of playing in St. Louis where you get 40,000 like (Carlos) Beltran chose to do, or you can come to Cleveland.”