New York Rivalry: All-Time Mets And Yankees Players Fans Love To Hate

Michael

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Post on May 18, 2025

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New York Rivalry: All-Time Mets and Yankees Players Fans Love to Hate

The New York Mets and the New York Yankees. Two teams, one city, a rivalry as fierce as any in baseball. While loyalty runs deep for fans of both teams, there's a special category of players: those who, despite (or perhaps because of) their talent, became deeply unpopular with their own fanbase. This isn't about players who simply underperformed; it's about those who generated a unique kind of animosity, a blend of frustration, disappointment, and sometimes, outright disdain.

This article dives into the all-time most hated players from both the Mets and the Yankees, exploring the reasons behind the fan fury and the lasting impact of their legacies. Get ready to revisit some controversial moments and reignite some long-dormant rivalries!

The New York Mets: Loathed Legends

The Mets, despite their underdog charm and occasional bursts of glory, have had their share of players who tested the patience of their fans. Let's examine some key figures:

• Lenny Dykstra (1985-1991): "Nails" was a gritty player, known for his hustle and intensity. But his aggressive style often led to questionable decisions on and off the field. Combined with later off-field troubles, he remains a divisive figure among Mets fans. Many remember his contributions, but few forget the controversies.

• Jose Reyes (2003-2011, 2017): A supremely talented shortstop, Reyes's departure for the Miami Marlins left a bitter taste in many Mets fans' mouths. While he displayed flashes of brilliance, his inconsistency and eventual exit fueled resentment. His brief return to the Mets in 2017 did little to heal the wounds.

• Bobby Bonilla (1991-1995): Remember the infamous "Bobby Bonilla Day"? This unique contract situation, where the Mets still pay him annually long after his retirement, exemplifies the lasting frustration he inspired. Though talented, his performance didn't always justify his hefty salary, adding fuel to the fan animosity. [Link to article explaining the Bobby Bonilla contract].

These players, while possessing undeniable skill, became symbols of frustration and disappointment for many Mets fans. Their legacies remain complex and continue to be debated amongst the faithful.

The New York Yankees: The Bronx Bombers' Most Hated

The Yankees, with their long history of success and high expectations, have seen their fair share of players who failed to live up to the pinstriped pressure. Here are a few examples:

• Jacoby Ellsbury (2014-2017): Signed to a massive contract, Ellsbury's performance significantly underwhelmed. Injuries hampered his time in pinstripes, resulting in a frustrating tenure that left fans feeling cheated. His high salary relative to his contributions made him a prime target for criticism.

• Phil Hughes (2007-2013): A homegrown talent, Hughes showed promise early on, but never quite reached the superstar status many predicted. His inconsistency, coupled with high expectations, made him a lightning rod for frustration among Yankees fans.

• A.J. Burnett (2009-2011): Burnett's Yankees tenure was largely marked by inconsistency and a perceived lack of effort. His fiery personality and occasional meltdowns didn't help his case with the notoriously demanding Yankee fanbase.

These players, like their Mets counterparts, represent a unique type of fan ire. Their high profiles and unmet expectations fueled intense criticism, cementing their places in Yankees infamy.

The Enduring Rivalry

The enduring rivalry between the Mets and Yankees transcends individual players. However, these controversial figures add another layer of complexity and passion to the already intense competition. Their stories serve as reminders that even in the world of professional sports, disappointment and frustration are inevitable, and sometimes, they lead to lasting legacies of dislike.

What are your thoughts? Which players from either team do you think deserve a place on this list? Let us know in the comments below!