Citi Field Asks Its First Phillies Fan to Leave

A Phillies jacket leads to an untimely exit from Citi Field's inaugural game.

Reed Frazier is a St. John's student majoring in Television and Film Production. He got a job working a camera for the school's athletic department which brought him to Citi Field for the stadium's opening game on Sunday when the Red Storm took on Georgetown.

Frazier is also a Phillies fan. So, when he was told to bring a rain-proof jacket to wear over his St. John's polo shirt, he grabbed one with a Phillies logo and set out to Citi Field. As you'd expect, he encountered Mets fans who gave him a hard time about wearing rival colors. What was less expected was that Frazier would eventually be forced to choose between his jacket and his job.

I returned my attention to my camera. Moments later, the head of the department rumbled up the platform and stood beside me. I looked to my side.

He said, “You have to take off your jacket.”

I replied, “In no way does it affect the job I am doing. It is a nonissue.”

He responded by saying, “It is an issue with the Mets. You can either put on the jacket or leave.”

“Then, I’m leaving.”

The whole thing is pretty absurd. If the Mets did ask for Frazier's change of attire and/or departure, then they're being extremely petty and will do nothing but create an untenable situation when the Phillies actually come to Queens during the season. Kicking out people in the other team's gear isn't going to go over well.

If it was just St. John's being overzealous in their attempt to be a good guest, that's just as silly but a bit more understandable. Still, it's one guy there to do a job and, by his telling, causing no discernable stir in the process. It's a jacket, there are bigger fish to fry in the world.

Frazier tells The700Level.com that he didn't wear the jacket to be provocative, but he wore a Phillies jacket to the first game at the new Mets stadium. It's his right, and he certainly should be allowed to wear it, but there was a reason for his clothing choice on Sunday morning. He got a good story out of it, at least, although he'll probably need to find another way to burnish his resume.

Josh Alper is a writer living in New York City and is a contributor to FanHouse.com and ProFootballTalk.com in addition to his duties for NBCNewYork.com.

Copyright FREEL - NBC Local Media
Contact Us