#2 – A.J. Pierzynski
First of all, yes, A.J. Pierzynski is still playing – he’s quietly spent the 2016 season as a mostly non-confrontational catcher for the Atlanta Braves.
It was hard to make him anything less than #1 on this list, but his demotion to a backup catcher role has finally allowed someone to surpass him as the most hated player in the game. Although he might not be at the top of the list anymore, Pierzynski has always angered fans, teammates, coaches, opponents – pretty much everyone except the media, who routinely call on him to broadcast postseason games. (He is, after all, very good at running his mouth.)
Former Sox manager Ozzie Guieun has perhaps the most well-known quote on Pierzynski’s obnoxious personality:
"“If you play against him, you hate him. If you play with him, you hate him a little less.”"
But, there’s one reason you’re reading this article, and it’s because you’re hoping to see one of the best moments in baseball history. Without further ado, here it is:
Yep. Who doesn’t want to see Cubs catcher Michael Barrett calmly stand up after being barrelled into and punch Pierzynski in the face? This moment will live on in infamy, because if there’s one thing baseball fans can agree on, it’s that Pierzynski is the most annoying catcher in the game.
Next: The Most Hated Player Right Now