When Trea Turner signed his mega-contract with the Philadelphia Phillies he was an additional superstar to the core. After getting so close in 2022 with a World Series appearance, but ultimately losing the last three games to the Houston Astros, Turner looked to be a great fit the club needed to knock on the postseason door yet again.
For most of Turner's 2023 season, he scuffled and failed to produce at the standards that fans and Turner himself expected. Heading into Aug. 4 last year, Turner was batting .235 with only 10 home runs and 33 RBI on the season. Turner seemed lost and the city of Philadelphia got behind him and gave him the support he needed.
'The Ovation' did more for Trea Turner than just salvage his 2023 season
The morning of "The Ovation," 94 WIP producer Jack Fritz took to social media and posted a video on X pushing fans to get behind Turner.
"Sometimes tough love's necessary. Sometimes brotherly love's necessary. Time for that for Trea. Stand with Trea, give him a standing "O" tonight and see if it works!" Fritz said.
The stage was set for Turner to have his deserved fresh start.
Philly's got ya, Trea 👏 pic.twitter.com/KRIO03u8sN
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) August 4, 2023
Since answering the fans' call that day, Turner has been among the best in baseball. In the last 162 games played since last August, Turner is tied for first overall based on FanGraphs WAR with 9.2 (as of July 6), accompanied by AL MVP candidates Gunnar Henderson and Aaron Judge.
No, fans don't hold magical powers to flip the power switch for a particular player at will. What it does show, however, is the human element of the game of baseball and the raw relationship fans can have with an athlete.
Fans supported Turner and he has returned the favor. Although he missed six weeks due to a hamstring strain this season, Turner is back to full speed now and is batting .335 with an .879 OPS, seven home runs, 43 runs scored, 23 RBI and 11 stolen bases.
Turner has returned to his elite self and was rightfully granted the starting shortstop position at this year's All-Star Game. Turner is picking up where he left off back in August of 2023 and is now picking up other players this year, with Harper, Schwarber and Realmuto currently injured. The Brotherly Love that fans showed Turner is what makes championship-hopeful teams enjoy the success that much more.