Gregory Polanco Hits Back At Fans: "I'm A Human Being Too, You Know?"

 

The Pittsburgh Pirates are on their way to 100 losses this season, but the team's fans have made longtime outfielder Gregory Polanco the target of their hate, and he's tired of it. 

“It’s tough. It’s not nice,” Polanco told the media on Thursday. “They have to understand, I’m a human being too, you know? This is my work, this is my job. I don’t want to do bad. It’s not nice to hear all the fans say, ‘Release him! DFA him! Send him back (to the minors).’ They don’t understand. They don’t know how hard it is.”

"I’m a human being too, you know?"

The Pirates’ Gregory Polanco finally vents his frustration about being the target of fan discontent.

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— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) August 27, 2021

Polanco is having one of the worst seasons of his 8-year career in Pittsburgh, batting just .209 with a .639 OPS, along with 11 home runs and 14 stolen bases. 

The frustration is doubled for him, as this is likely his free agent year. He's in the final guaranteed year of his $35 million contract, with the Pirates having a $12.5 million option for 2022, or a $3 million dollar buyout.

The 29-year-old is regularly showered with boos at PNC Park, but had remained upbeat... until now.

“I try to keep it out of my mind,” Polanco said, “but it’s hard not to (notice) when you’re playing and there’s only like 5,000 people here and you hear everything... I'm playing my a** off everyday... I'm trying to get my sh** right." 

The venting seemed to help, as he went 3-for-5 Thursday night with a pair of doubles and 2 RBIs. Perhaps there'll be more of Polanco speaking his mind in the future.

Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports