All 32 MLB Teams have players on their roster who are popular with the fans, media, opposing players, and teammates. You know who they are. They are the ones who are always giving interviews after games, joking with the other team during a pitching change, and their jerseys can be seen all over the stadium. But for every yin, there is a yang, and for a popular player, there is a real SOB. These are the players that curse at the fans, play dirty, and are tough to get along with. Stories about these players typically surface once they leave town.
Let’s take a look at one player from every team that was incredibly disliked, at times, even by their own teams.
* In order to make this list, players needed to be disliked by 2 out of the following 3 groups: fans, teammates and/or opposing players, the media
Arizona Diamondbacks – Curt Schilling
There is no denying that Curt Schilling has an abrasive personality. It is arguably one of the things keeping him out of the Hall of Fame, as he has always had a turbulent relationship with the media. The pitcher’s outspokenness has also rubbed people the wrong way and has contributed to a growing base of haters. Being disliked by the aforementioned media, opposing players (ask the Yankees of the early 2000s), and opposing fan bases, are enough people to earn Schilling his spot on the list.
Atlanta Braves – John Rocker
John Rocker burst onto the scene in 1998 as a hard-throwing, left-handed reliever out of the Braves pen. In his first two seasons, he had a 2.37 ERA, 40 saves (38 of them in 1999), and 146 Ks in 110.1 innings pitched. Atlanta had a star in the making and then came a December 1999 interview in Sports Illustrated where Rocker made several racist and derogatory statements. Despite fans everywhere, and many players, disdain towards the pitcher, the Braves held onto him for another 1.5 seasons. Those horrible statements and the heat they generated land John Rocker on our list.
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Baltimore Orioles – Sidney Ponson
Based on Sidney Ponson’s first stint with the Orioles, it wasn’t unreasonable when he re-signed with them after Baltimore had traded him to San Francisco a few months prior. There’s usually a good reason for a break-up and it’s often said that one should never get back with their ex. Baltimore should have heeded that warning. The off-season trouble with Ponson started during his first year back with the club. Over a two-year period, he was arrested and charged with assaulting a judge in Aruba and had 2 DUIs. That behavior is enough to earn him a spot on our list.
Boston Red Sox – Bill Buckner
This was a tough choice, as there were a few Boston legends who signed with one of the most gated MLB Teams Yankees, but that “dislike” might be more fan-based. While I’m not sure if the players on the 1986 team truly dislike him, Bill Buckner seems like a fitting choice. Buckner was the 1B for the Sox in the 1986 World Series. His error in Game 6 cost Boston the game, allowing the Mets to force a Game 7, which NY won. After the World Series, Buckner received death threats and derision from fans, both of Boston and opposing teams.
Chicago Cubs – Todd Hundley
When Todd Hundley signed with the Cubs as a free agent after the 1998 season, they thought they were getting a true number-one catcher. They couldn’t be more wrong. Hundley’s production (.199 BA, 28 HRs, 66 RBIs in 171 games) over two years certainly contributed to the fans’ dislike of their catcher. Giving the fans the middle finger during a dry spell cemented it. Despite signing a four-year deal with Chicago, he was traded after those two unproductive seasons. The fans and organization giving up on you make Todd Hundley a deserving candidate for this spot.
Chicago White Sox – A.J. Pierzynski
This one was a pretty easy selection. When I think of players that were disliked, A.J. Pierzynski definitely comes to mind. He had an abrasive style of play that rubbed opposing players the wrong way. In a 2012 Men’s Journal poll of 100 major league players Pierzynski, with 34% of the vote, was selected the “most hated player” in the league. That’s quite an accomplishment! It’s also been reported that the catcher is also disliked by teammates. That’s enough bad vibes to land A.J. Pierzynski on our list.
Cincinnati Reds – Pete Rose
Let’s put the betting issue aside for now. Pete Rose is one of the greatest to ever step on a baseball field. Despite being the all-time hits leader and one of the most hard-nosed players ever, the former MVP’s resume is quite impressive. It was his rough style of play that made many opposing players, and fans, dislike him. Just ask Ray Fosse, the catcher who was run over by Rose in the 1970 All-Star game and suffered a fractured and separated shoulder. His gambling issue and subsequent suspension broke the hearts of many fans and turned them against their former idol. While time has reduced some of the vitriol towards Pete Rose, there are still many who just do not like him.
Cleveland Guardians – Albert Belle
Albert Belle was one of the easiest choices to make when creating this list. It certainly wasn’t due to a lack of production on the field that earned the left fielder his spot here, far from it, the outfielder was disliked by opposing fans and had a rocky relationship with the media. Belle issues off-field as well. In 1995 he was fined for reckless operation of a vehicle after using which also earned suspensions on the field, most notably his 7-game one for the use of a corked bat and had his car chase teenagers that had egged his house. He later settled a lawsuit that accused him of attempting to run over one of the teens. The defense rests.
Also Read: All 30 NBA Teams’ Most Disliked Player Who Even Their Own Teammates Couldn’t Stand
Colorado Rockies – Mike Hampton
Mike Hampton was brought to Colorado to be their ace; he was anything but one. Over his first two years, he had a record of 21-28 with a 5.75 ERA. It only took two seasons for the Rockies to realize their mistake and trade Hampton. It wasn’t just his contract though, but the pairing with Denny Neagle that really hurt the Rockies. We went with Mike Hampton because Colorado kept him for 2 years, and Neagle lasted 3 seasons.
Detroit Tigers – Ty Cobb
Let’s get the obvious out of the way, Ty Cobb was one of the greatest players in the history of professional baseball. He was, however, a notoriously difficult person to play against… and with. Much like the aforementioned Pete Rose, Cobb was one of the toughest opponents to play against, and his hard-edged, aggressive style of play bothered many. It wasn’t just opposing players and their fans that didn’t like the centerfielder, it was also his teammates. The only group in the criteria that liked him was the Tigers fan base, but that’s not enough to save Ty Cobb from his spot on our list.
Houston Astros – Mike Fiers
Mike Fiers spent three years as a starting pitcher for Houston, including their 2017 World Series championship season. He was an average pitcher, but his inclusion on the list has nothing to do with on-field performance. Fiers is here because he was the individual who exposed the 2017 Astros cheating scandal. While he should have been applauded for coming clean, he was instead vilified by Houston fans and teammates. Opposing players certainly weren’t happy with Astros players either, and that included the pitcher. While many admire the courage of Mike Fiers to tell the truth, there are enough people who dislike him to earn him a spot here.
Kansas City Royals – Neifi Perez
The Kansas City Royals acquired Neifi Perez in 2001 from the Colorado Rockies. The problem was that in order to get Perez, KC had to give up the popular Jermaine Dye. Trading away one of their most popular players turned many fans against Perez before he even put on the Royals uniform. When he didn’t perform at the same level that he did in Colorado, the fans completed their turn. The light-hitting shortstop couldn’t have made many friends in the locker room when, in late 2002, he refused to enter a game. That type of behavior certainly didn’t endear Neifi Perez to the Royals, and they were willing to eat money on his release.
Los Angeles Angels – Jose Guillen
Jose Guillen is one of many in a long line of villains that wore an Angels uniform, despite only being there for one year. Despite having a solid 2004, batting .294 with 27 HRs and 104 RBIs, Guillen found himself suspended by the team towards the end of the season. After being lifted for a pinch hitter, Guillen had an outburst in the dugout directed at manager Mike Scioscia. The Angels suspended the right fielder for the playoffs, which LA lost to Boston in the ALDS. Some fans and people within the organization felt that his outburst cost the club in the postseason. The fan’s and organization’s disappointment was evident by the fact that Jose Guillen was not on the team in 2005.
Los Angeles Dodgers – Trevor Bauer
How does a person spend one season with a team and earn a spot on a “Most Disliked” list? Trevor Bauer began to emerge as a top pitcher in his late twenties. Coming off winning a Cy Young Award in the 2020 Covid shortened season, and despite his abrasive personality, Bauer signed a three-year, $102 million deal with the Dodgers. While his one-year stint in LA was good performance-wise, it was off-field issues that plagued the pitcher. Due to accusations of sexual assault, Bauer was placed on leave for the second half of 2021 and suspended for 194 games in 2022. Although legal charges were dropped, as of the writing of this article, he is still a free agent. Clearly, Trevor Bauer is not a well-liked person.
Miami Marlins – Hanley Ramirez
In six and a half seasons with the Marlins, Hanley Ramirez was a consistent on-field producer. He could hit for average, had some 20+ HR power, and speed, having back-to-back seasons with 51 stolen bases. The issue with Hanley is that he was reported to be a lazy player. Several former teammates have called out the infielder for taking plays off. Players in his same category, talented but lazy, are plentiful and litter our list, as they often are a letdown to both fans and teammates. Hanley Ramirez can take off certain plays, but he can’t take himself off our list.
Milwaukee Brewers – Gary Sheffield
Gary Sheffield was one of the most feared right-handed hitters of his era. His Hall of Fame talent was evident throughout his 22-year career. The outfielder has earned his spot on our list, like many others, for being ornery with the press and clubhouse issues. Sheffield himself suggested that he made errors in an attempt to get traded out of Milwaukee. Although no evidence exists, it couldn’t have pleased fans and teammates to hear his words. He may have had Hall of Fame talent, but instead of Cooperstown, Gary Sheffield’s gruff persona and potentially selfish behavior land him on our list.
Minnesota Twins – Josh Donaldson
It seems that Josh Donaldson could’ve been a candidate for any of the 7 teams he played for over a 13-year career. The third baseman spent the first 4 years of his career in Oakland, but then he never spent more than 3.5 years in any of his other stops. There’s a reason for that, and it’s named Josh Donaldson. The bottom line is that he was just one of those guys who rubbed people the wrong way, as his reputation for causing clubhouse friction would suggest. Without a better option for the Twins, we’ll slide Donaldson into this slot.
New York Mets – Vince Coleman
Vince Coleman spent the first 6 seasons of his career in St. Louis as one of the best stolen base threats in the game. At the age of 29, in the prime of his career, Coleman signed a free-agent contract with the New York Mets. He was not the same player in New York that he was with the Cardinals. His production dropped drastically as he missed significant time during his tenure with the Mets. On top of the decreased production, the outfielder threw a firecracker into a group of fans at Dodger Stadium. Vince Coleman clearly deserves his place on our list.
New York Yankees – Alex Rodriguez
There were several options for this spot: Ed Whitson, Carl Pavano, and Jacoby Ellsbury… but the only real choice was Alex Rodriguez. It was clear from the beginning that A-Rod and Derek Jeter had a frosty relationship. Leers and side-eye glances from the Captain made it clear how he felt about A-Rod. Rodriguez cannot be blamed for the trade, despite the internal struggle that was on the Yankees. What A-Rod could control was his behavior, and he had trouble there as well. A-Rod was not a very well-liked Yankee.
Oakland Athletics – Nick Swisher
Nick Swisher was a fairly consistent player throughout his career. Every year you could count on the outfielder to hit between .250-.270 with 20 HRs and 70-80 RBIs. The main issue, which rubbed both fans and teammates alike, was Swisher himself. His exuberant, party-boy-style personality, punctuated by excessive “bros” was too much for many people to take. It’s one of the reasons that Swisher never spent more than 4 years in any location during his 12-year career. He always seemed like he was trying too hard to be liked. Perhaps if Nick Swisher tried a little less, he wouldn’t be on our list.
Philadelphia Phillies – Bobby Abreu
Bobby Abreu is another interesting choice for this list. In 1,353 games with the Phillies Abreu had a .303 BA with 195 HRs, 814 RBIs, and was a 2x All-Star. He was an above-average, incredibly solid player during his time in the City of Brotherly Love. but there was one issue that turned fans, and most likely teammates, against him. During an interview, the outfielder once claimed that he wasn’t willing to run into walls to make a play due to fears of injury. Fans, and most definitely teammates, want to know that a player is willing to do what’s necessary (within reason) to win. Bobby Abreu’s unwillingness to do that secures him a spot on our list.
Also Read: All 32 NFL Teams’ Most Disliked Player Who Even Their Own Teammates Couldn’t Stand
Pittsburgh Pirates – Barry Bonds
You’re probably not surprised to see Barry Bonds on this list, but you are probably surprised to see him listed as a Pirate. Bottom line, regardless of performance-enhancing supplements, Bonds has never been a well-liked player. Not only was he cantankerous with the media, but according to reports his Pittsburgh teammates would ask opposing pitchers to throw at the outfielder during games. That level of hatred is next level. How badly did Barry Bonds dislike that his teammates wanted pitchers to hurl a 90+ mph sphere at him?
San Diego Padres – Phil Nevin
Phil Nevin spent 12 years in the Big Leagues, 6.5 of them in San Diego, the longest stop by far in his career. Despite being a consistent performer, Nevin only earned one All-Star nod during his time with the Padres. However, his time in San Diego was not without its issues. Nevin was once disciplined for making an obscene gesture at a fan and was a frequent critic of PETCO Park, the Padres home stadium. Nevin’s incessant whining certainly couldn’t have endeared him to the organization, and his flippant behavior towards fans gives him the second requirement for entry on our list.
San Francisco Giants – Jeff Kent
If having a player who was a great on-field performer but had issues off the field and in the clubhouse seems like a broken record, it is. As one of the greatest offensive second basemen ever, Jeff Kent is a Hall of Fame caliber player. Allegedly, the main reason he is not in the Hall is because he had an incredibly poor relationship with the media. But it doesn’t stop there, as he engaged in a 2002 dugout fight with teammate Barry Bonds. Meeting two of the three criteria for being on the list earns Jeff Kent a dislike for mortality.
Seattle Mariners – Chone Figgins
After a successful 8-year run with the Los Angeles Angels, Chone Figgins signed a 4-year, $36 million contract with Seattle. The Mariners were hoping that Figgins would be their second-best hitter behind Ichiro. They were wrong. In 2010, his first season in Seattle, Figgins had his worst year to date, hitting for a .259 average. Things got worse in his second year as the infielder only had a paltry .188 batting average. In 2012 his batting average fell to .188 before the Mariners finally decided to cut their losses and designated him for assignment. To say that Chone Figgins was disliked and a disappointment to the fans and the Mariners organization would be an understatement.
St. Louis Cardinals – Tino Martinez
Tino Martinez was a key cog in the Yankees dynasty of the late 90s before signing in St. Louis for the 2002 season. Unfortunately for Martinez, his time with the Cardinals was not like his time in New York. The first baseman’s production dropped from his previous levels which certainly didn’t make the fans happy. There were also reports that Tino was not well-liked in the clubhouse, with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch calling him a “pebble lodged in the Cardinals’ shoes.” Clearly, Tino Martinez was not a popular player in the Gateway City, both in and out of the locker room, earning him a rightful place on our list.
Tampa Bay Rays – Wander Franco
Another incredibly talented athlete whose career was destroyed by running afoul of the law. Through 112 games of the 2023 season, Wander France was having an All-Star year. The 22-year-old shortstop looked like an emerging superstar. Then the news struck that Franco was placed on indefinite administrative leave by MLB while authorities in the Dominican Republic investigated him for an alleged relationship with a minor. At worst, his crime, or at best, his incredibly poor judgment, his behavior certainly had to be a major letdown to fans and his teammates, which is why Wander Franco is the choice here.
Texas Rangers – Alex Rodriguez
The first, and only, two-time member on our list, but not for the same reasons as before. Alex Rodriguez signed a massive deal in Texas that helped limit additional spending on other players. When he tired of being on a losing team he demanded a trade, even offering to restructure his contract to facilitate a trade. A-Rod’s behavior was a complete insult to the Rangers organization, on-field and off, and fanbase.
Toronto Blue Jays – Shea Hillenbrand
Shea Hillenbrand played 7 years in the Majors and was a 2x All-Star, so there was certainly some talent there. However, he did play for 6 teams in his 7 seasons and the most likely reason for that is an attitude problem. Clearly, organizations and his teammates quickly became tired of his behavior, but it was in Toronto where the hometown fans turned on him as well. In 2006, while complaining about playing time Hillenbrand posted “the ship is sinking” on a message board. Soon afterwards he was traded to San Francisco
Washington Nationals – Nyjer Morgan
Part of the reason Nyjer Morgan only spent 7 years in MLB was an anger issue. Whether it was directed at an opposing player or a fan, he was a volcano waiting to erupt. He was once disciplined for throwing a ball at a fan in the stands and would often bump opposing players on the basepaths. In one such incident, he separated the shoulder of Marlins catcher Brett Hayes and then prompted a bench-clearing brawl with Florida the next game. Those types of action make Nyjer Morgan an easy choice for our list.
