New York's Most Hated: Ranking The Mets And Yankees' Biggest Subway Series Rivals

Michael

3 min read

Post on May 18, 2025

5.0

Share

New York's Most Hated: Ranking the Mets and Yankees' Biggest Subway Series Rivals

The roar of the crowd, the crack of the bat, the simmering tension – the Subway Series is more than just a baseball game; it's a battle for New York City bragging rights. But within the fierce rivalry between the New York Mets and the New York Yankees, certain players have etched themselves into infamy, becoming the most hated figures on the opposing side. This ranking explores those unforgettable antagonists who fueled the flames of this iconic rivalry.

The Methodology: This ranking considers a combination of factors: on-field performance against the opposing team, memorable moments (both positive and negative from the rival's perspective), and the sheer level of animosity generated among fans. It's subjective, yes, but reflects the deep-seated feelings of generations of New York baseball fans.

Yankees' Most Hated Mets:

1. Mookie Wilson (1986 World Series): No discussion of Yankees-Mets hatred is complete without mentioning Mookie Wilson. His ground ball through Bill Buckner's legs in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series remains a painful memory for Yankees fans, solidifying his place as a Mets legend and a Yankee nemesis. The image is seared into the collective consciousness of Bronx Bombers fans.

2. Tom Seaver ("The Franchise"): While revered by Mets fans as "The Franchise," Seaver's dominance against the Yankees, especially in the early years of the rivalry, made him a thorn in their side. His pitching prowess and unwavering intensity earned him the respect (and begrudging admiration) of even his bitterest rivals.

3. Darryl Strawberry: Strawberry's powerful bat and flamboyant personality created a natural friction with Yankees fans. His consistent success against the Yankees, combined with his sometimes controversial off-field behavior, made him a polarizing figure.

Mets' Most Hated Yankees:

1. Babe Ruth (The Sultan of Swat): While his playing days predate the modern Subway Series, Babe Ruth's legendary status and his role in shifting baseball's power balance towards the Yankees cemented his place as a historical adversary for Mets fans. His iconic presence looms large over the rivalry's history.

2. Derek Jeter ("The Captain"): Jeter's unwavering success, clutch performances, and almost flawless demeanor made him a supremely frustrating opponent for Mets fans. His consistent excellence against the Mets, coupled with his iconic status, solidified his place as a hated figure in Queens.

3. Roger Clemens ("The Rocket"): Clemens' intense competitiveness and dominating pitching against the Mets instilled a deep-seated fear and resentment among Mets fans. His fiery personality and unwavering focus on winning cemented his status as a formidable (and hated) foe.

Beyond the Players: The rivalry transcends individual players. The inherent tension between the two franchises, their distinct fan bases, and the high stakes of each Subway Series game create a unique atmosphere charged with animosity and passion. This enduring rivalry is a cornerstone of New York City sports culture.

Conclusion: The Subway Series is a battleground of epic proportions. While individual players come and go, the hatred, the passion, and the legendary moments continue to fuel one of baseball's most captivating rivalries. Who will be the next player to earn a spot on this list? Only time will tell. What are your thoughts? Share your most hated Subway Series rivals in the comments below!