Trea Turner is thanking fans for sticking with him through a rough first season with the Philadelphia Phillies.
His \"Thank You, Philly\" message was splashed on 12 digital billboards in the greater Philadelphia area after a series when Philly fans gave Turner standing ovations in at-bats throughout the weekend.
The idea to cheer Turner was hatched on social media, and the slumping shortstop responded -- he hit a three-run homer in a win Saturday against the Kansas City Royals.
Turner signed an 11-year, $300 million deal with the Phillies in the offseason, but he is batting just .238 with 11 home runs and 39 RBIs.
\"I think it was nice to get the message out there and say thank you,\" Turner said. \"I said it in interviews and whatnot, but I think it was just another nice gesture.\"
The Phillies already rented the billboards and use them for a variety of reasons, usually to promote upcoming home games. Turner pitched in and made an undisclosed financial contribution in support of the message.
Via Associated Press