After closing out a win against his former team, Arizona Diamondbacks reliever Paul Sewald got into a heated exchange with New York Mets fans.
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Paul Sewald made his return to Citi Field on Saturday, where he pitched against the New York Mets, the team he played for from 2017 to 2020. Sewald played a crucial role in the team's 10-5 victory over the Mets, but his triumph was short-lived.
According to the New York Post, the reliever engaged in a shouting match with Mets fans immediately following the win. Sewald expressed his disappointment, stating that his brief encounter reminded him of the treatment he endured during his tenure with the Mets.
"I thought I had matured a little bit," Sewald reflected. "But I get done with the game, and I got some P.O.S. just out there chirping and swearing, in front of kids, at me, and it just reminds me exactly of what I went through while I was here."
Sewald refrained from disclosing the exact nature of the fan's remarks, but he expressed particular concern about the presence of children. "Can't print the stuff that [the fan] was saying," Sewald said. "Just disappointing he would do that in front of kids. He embarrassed himself. Just par for the course, I guess."
The Diamondbacks reliever also acknowledged that he may have contributed to the altercation by making his own heated remarks. "I also said some things that I probably wouldn't want printed," Sewald admitted. "It's just one of those things, it was frustrating that in a meaningless game, I didn't show any emotion, didn't feel like I took it over the top for him to do that, just disappointing."
Sewald's return to Citi Field in 2022 was marked by a similar reception from Mets fans, who held a negative view of the pitcher. This hostility, Sewald admitted, fueled his competitive fire during his stint with the Seattle Mariners.
Despite the postgame incident, Sewald's performance on the mound has been impressive in 2024. In eight appearances, he has posted a remarkable 1.23 ERA and seven strikeouts. His strong showing played a pivotal role in the Diamondbacks' World Series run last year.
Arizona snapped a five-game losing streak against New York on Saturday, but the team remains in fourth place in the National League West with a record of 26-32. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage for the latest updates on the Arizona Diamondbacks and other MLB teams.
