Mike Fiers gets warm reception in first appearance since outing Astros

If Sunday afternoon was any indication, the public has Mike Fiers' back.

In the A's right-hander's first appearance of spring training and first time toeing the rubber since blowing the whistle on the Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal, Fiers was cheered by the fans when he took the field against the Giants at Hohokam Park.

Fan reaction to Mike Fiers, today’s starter. Fan toward the end says he saved baseball. pic.twitter.com/vOh3rNVcUm
— Shayna Rubin (@ShaynaRubin) February 23, 2020

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Fans here at Hohokam appear extremely supportive of Mike Fiers, starting today against the Giants. “I yelled, ‘You did the right thing!’ when he came out,” says one. Another yelled, “We got your back!”
— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) February 23, 2020

Fiers, who has received criticism from some and even death threats, said it was nice to feel the support from the fans.

Fires says he liked seeing some signs voicing their response for him today. “One said, ‘Fiers for President,!” he said.
— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) February 23, 2020

While the reception was nice, Fiers is focused on the A's reaching new heights in 2020.

“I try to put it behind me. We have to focus on 2020," Fiers said, via MLB.com. "Our season is coming up pretty quick, so we need to focus on baseball and get ready,” Fiers said. “In the past, we’ve started off slow and it’s halted us late in the year. The earlier we can get ready, the better off we’re going to be.”