A.J. Pierzynski
Most hated player in baseball by his peers in recent memory? Possibly. Most hated player in baseball by those trying to spell his name in recent memory? Definitely. Pierzynski has proven throughout his career to not only be a thorn in the side of opponents, but also by anyone who still keeps score by hand when they head to the ballpark.
Now in his 19th big league season at 39 years old, the former third round draft pick in 1994 is plying his trade behind the plate for the woeful Atlanta Braves, and the struggle has been real. After hitting .300 in 113 games in 2015, Pierzynski has seen his production drop to a .216/.250/.265 slash line this season for arguably the worst team in baseball. It’s a far cry from the guy who was a cornerstone of a World Champion Chicago White Sox club and who hit 27 longballs in 2012.
This may be the last season Pierzynski is strapping on the catcher’s gear, but his name is one to keep baseball fans guessing, mostly incorrectly, for years to come.
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