Cole Hamels prefers East Coast vibe. Whatever.

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Game 1 starter Cole Hamels of the Phillies, who grew up in San Diego, was asked at today’s media day to compare the attitude of fans on the West Coast to those on the East Coast, Philadelphia in particular. It boils down to: laid-back vs. intense.

A bit of a cliche, perhaps, but pretty much correct. And if we Left Coasters are as he describes us, we’d be, like, whatever. Nothing wrong with beating the traffic.

Here are his ruminations on regional differences:

‘You know, growing up on the West Coast, I think there’s more to do. There’s more opportunities other than devoting your whole attention to sports.

‘I think on the West Coast everybody is very active. I think they’re outside a little bit more and so when you have good weather you can be at the beach. You can be mountain biking. You can be just playing with your kids. Versus being on the East Coast where I think it’s just kind of the history and just kind of that long-time evolution of sports.

‘I think this is where football and baseball and hockey were kind of just what took up everybody’s lives because that was the fun and excitement. So being on the East Coast, I think the fans are more passionate and they’re more involved with the game and they understand the game a little bit more.

‘On the West Coast, I think when I went to the games we arrived at the 3rd inning and left by the 8th. You didn’t really know. You had to wake up the next morning to see if the team won, versus the East Coast they’re here. They’ll be after the game cheering you on. I think that’s been great for what I’ve experienced and great for a player. And that’s something you want to play in front of.

‘Also, I think the West Coast, it’s more of a business adventure when you take somebody to a game. You’re almost trying to break the next business deal or something and in the East Coast, it’s everybody is wearing jerseys versus a suit and tie and everybody are eating the hot dogs and everything.

‘So it’s just something where I love the West Coast, don’t get me wrong. I hope they don’t kill me now (smiling). They’re never going to invite me back. It’s just something that the East Coast, they’re more passionate and more involved and I think that just brings the love of the game a little bit more.’

Hamels on other matters.

-- Steve Clow