Boos don’t faze Heyward

Associated Press

ST. LOUIS

Jason Heyward expected a harsh reception from St. Louis Cardinals fans. He sort of looked forward to it, and even took off his helmet in acknowledgement when he heard the boos before his first at-bat.

“If somebody boos me here, that means they were not happy to see me leave,” Heyward said Monday before making his first appearance in a Chicago Cubs uniform at Busch Stadium. “I’m kind of glad that people weren’t happy to see me leave. The fans should enjoy it and we’re going to enjoy it.”

The crowd cheered with vigor when Heyward took a called third strike from Mike Leake in the first inning.

Heyward got a $184 million, eight-year contract with the Cubs. The Gold Glove right fielder also turned down an offer from the Washington Nationals. He described it as a “life decision.”

“Chicago was always a place I loved to play,” he said “It was absolutely a tough decision but at the end of the day I need to be happy for myself.”

Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said after 8 1/2 months together last year, there was no need to reach out to Heyward in the offseason.

“What more am I going to tell him over the phone that he hasn’t already seen up close and personal?” Matheny said.