One day Matthew Silliman was your average Nationals fan from the Tampa Bay area. The next, an online star. The reason? He got his signs trolling the Astros taken away by Fitteam Ballpark officials because they were deemed offensive. I was sitting four seats down from him and we exchanged emails. We’ve been in touch over the past week and a half and I finally get to bring this exclusive interview to you guys.
Alex Morrison: How long have you been a Nationals fan for?
Matt Silliman: I was living in [Virginia] at the time the team moved from Montreal. We were always Orioles fans before then. My Dad and I went to the first game at RFK and we’ve been fans since.
AM: Who was the guy sitting next to you at the game?
MS: The guy next to me is my Dad Dave Silliman. He still lives in the DC area and came down to FL for the trip. We had planned it since game 7.
AM: What did he write on his sign?
MS: There were 2 signs. One was front and back. The *’s sign was a complete afterthought. Originally I had a sign that read “You see my hat?” The other read “What you think about his hat?” With an arrow pointing at my Dad next to me.
AM: On the back of your sign, you wrote, “You see my hat?” What’s so special about your hat?
MS: It’s an inside joke between some friends of mine and my Dad. I just thought it would be a good way to get flashed on TV with my friends watching back at home. No one ever got to see those signs.
AM: What was your reaction when you got your sign taken away?
MS: When they were taken away I was a little stunned because I never saw the usher until she was right in front of me, asking for the signs. At first I thought we were going to get kicked out but when the cameras were noticed and I was seen being interviewed by everyone I think that was what saved me.
AM: According to the Minute Maid Park Website, “The Astros do not permit signs, posters or banners which are obscene, slanderous or in bad taste.” Do you think your sign fits these requirements?
MS: There was nothing profane, nothing directly to a person or player. I asked a couple security guards at the game prior to walking in, and no one ever said anything about the signs. We walked in the front gate just like everyone else with them. Walked around the entire stadium, and even went to the team store and got a rubber band from security to tie the signs up.
AM: What kind of questions did the reporters from ESPN and the AP ask you?
MS: They asked me what my sign said. Where I was from. If I had been planning this. Best one was, “Will you keep heckling even after they took your sign?” I said “Oh yeah!”
AM: What is your unbiased opinion on the cheating scandal?
MS: I think they should vacate the title. They cheated. Plain and simple. It’s one thing to have a man on 2nd base and looking at the catcher. But when you start using technology to aid you in doing so, you’ve crossed the line. Guys career’s are on the line in some of these cases. I think the League needs to be tougher on the players. I’m just glad it’s not my team. I would find it very hard to root for even the Nats if they had done this.
AM: Last but not least, what place do you think the Nationals will be in in the NL East and in the MLB this year?
MS: I think the Nat’s are restocked and ready for another deep postseason run. The loss of Rendon hurts but I think we have some pieces that can make up for his production. And if not I have faith in Rizzo “The Ninja” on pulling some deal before the trade deadline. If we don’t straight out win the NL East we get a Wildcard spot. It’ll be big to watch the starting rotation this year I think. After the extended work load last season and short off-season. That’s the price of being Champs I guess.
The Goal Post 