Phillies: JT Realmuto’s excuse for not getting vaccine isn’t good enough

Philadelphia Phillies catcher JT Realmuto was defiant when asked by reporters if he considered getting the COVID-19 vaccine to enter Canada.

Realmuto is one of the Phillies best players, and the leader of their pitching staff given he’s their near-everyday catcher. Yet, he will not be able to travel with the team to Toronto, and it’s by choice.

‘By choice’, of course, means he’s unwilling to get the COVID-19 vaccine. In order to travel to Canada, travelers must be vaccinated. That includes professional athletes, despite their best efforts.

When approached by reporters on Monday night, Realmuto doubled down on his stance, repeating his personal decision.

Never heard that one before!

Phillies: JT Realmuto not traveling with team to Toronto

In all seriousness, it is up to Realmuto whether he gets vaccinated or not, and he should not be forced to do so under any circumstances. However, just as it is Realmuto’s choice to forgo a vaccine that could put himself and others at less risk of contracting COVID-19, it is my choice to disagree with his choice.

"“I’m a healthy 31-year-old professional athlete. I just didn’t feel a need to get it. I’ve had COVID a couple times, super-mild symptoms, back when it first came out.“When it came time to decide whether I needed the vaccine or not, talking to doctors that I knew and told them my story, I decided I didn’t think I needed it. I wasn’t going to take it just because I was told, basically. What’s money? I’m not going to let Canada tell me what I do and don’t do with my body. For a little bit of money, it’s just not worth it.”"

Despite all opinion, it is the Phillies truth that they are worse off without Realmuto north of the border.