Nathan Booed In Spring Training Game, Says It Does Not Bother Him
By Ashley Dunkak
@AshleyDunkak
CBS DETROIT - Joe Nathan endured many boos from the crowds at Comerica Park during his debut season as a Detroit Tiger last year, and evidently the Florida sunshine did not move fans to be any more forgiving at Thursday's spring training game, when Nathan struggled and again heard from fans.
The closer gave up four earned runs in two-thirds of an inning.
After the game, Nathan told MLive the boos do not bother him.
"I don't care, to be honest," Nathan said. "You know, those guys, to be honest with you, aren't even on my mind. Fans aren't in my mind. Only people that really matter to me is my family and the people in this locker room."
Booing during spring training is unusual, but Nathan said he did not want to make a big deal of it.
"It doesn't bother me," Nathan said. "It's not a part of my life. They're not a part of my life. Period."
Besides his poor production for much of last season - he pitched better in the second half but still turned in a 4.81 ERA for the year - Nathan also aggravated fans by making offensive gestures toward the crowd after an outing in August. In his apology at the time, the closer said the booing - which began as soon as he threw a pitch - had gotten to him.
