After 12 years in the MLB, former Philadelphia Phillies infielder Jean Segura announced his retirement last week. Segura spent four seasons of his career with the Phillies, playing shortstop, second, and third base for the team. With some clutch contributions and an obvious love for the game, Segura became a fan favorite in Philadelphia.
And as it turns out, Segura loved the fans right back.
Philadelphia loved Jean Segura, and he loved Phillies fans right back
"They’re the best fans I’ve ever had in my career," Segura told Alex Coffey (subscription required) in an interview for The Philadelphia Inquirer. "Because they care about the game, they care about the players, they love you, but at the same point, they let you know, 'We need you to get better.'"
Segura didn't just understand the fans, but embraced them. “Philly’s been awesome to me,” he said. "Maybe because I came through in the big moments, in the pressure moments.”
And this is true. Segura certainly had some clutch moments while playing in Philadelphia. For example, fans might remember how he made his mark on the 2022 postseason; with a crucial hit in the ninth inning, Segura helped the Phillies gain an unlikely victory in Game 1 of the NLWCS against the St. Louis Cardinals. This win was powerful, as it came after the Phillies' decade-long playoff drought.
JIMMY CIGS!!!! pic.twitter.com/azLnNLJDZg
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) October 7, 2022
Segura also knew how to relax into his role on the team, another reason for fans to love him.
During his at-bat in this 2021 game against the Washington Nationals, a fan asked Segura about his favorite ice cream flavor. He managed to reply right before getting a hit to tie the game.
You've heard of athletes with ice in their veins?
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) August 3, 2021
Jean Segura has 𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢 in his veins - vanilla ice cream, to be specific 🍦😂 pic.twitter.com/uqONCNwF0I
“I was so locked in,” he said in regard to this moment. “And a lot of time when you’re too locked in, it’s not good because what you do is you stress yourself out. The more you relax, the more chance you’re going to have to make a good swing."
At the end of the day, Segura took in stride anything the fans threw at him, good or bad.
“I know they’re a little tough, too, when you’re struggling, and they let you know when you need to get better. But that’s Philadelphia."
It is reported that Segura received a few offers to continue his career, but ultimately turned them down. When asked about his decision to retire, Segura said he's choosing time with his family over time in the dugout.
“After I spent 12 years in the majors playing every day, I don’t want to end my career sitting in the dugout, when my family really needs time with me.”
Phillies fans hope Jean Segura enjoys time with his family, and wish him luck in the future.