Beloved by One Fanbase, Hated by Another: Which Players Fit This?

stevebay · 12-31-2025, 10:15 AM

Now that Anthony Rendon’s contract with the Angels is finally over, it got me thinking about an interesting question:

Which players are beloved by one franchise’s fan base, but strongly disliked (or resented) by another team’s fans for whom they also played?

A couple examples that come to mind:

Anthony Rendon — A World Series hero for Washington, but a disappointment during his time with the Angels.

Barry Bonds — Loved by Giants fans despite controversy, yet his Pirates tenure feels almost erased. I once took a tour of PNC Park and the tour guide even mentioned there are hardly any Bonds references or photos in the stadium.

I know there’s always initial animosity when a player leave a team for another, but is there long lasting “hatred” from some fan bases toward a player?

Who else fits this category? Curious to hear some good examples?

12-31-2025, 10:15 AM	#1
stevebay Member Join Date: Jun 2020 Posts: 205	Beloved by One Fanbase, Hated by Another: Which Players Fit This? Now that Anthony Rendon’s contract with the Angels is finally over, it got me thinking about an interesting question: Which players are beloved by one franchise’s fan base, but strongly disliked (or resented) by another team’s fans for whom they also played? A couple examples that come to mind: Anthony Rendon — A World Series hero for Washington, but a disappointment during his time with the Angels. Barry Bonds — Loved by Giants fans despite controversy, yet his Pirates tenure feels almost erased. I once took a tour of PNC Park and the tour guide even mentioned there are hardly any Bonds references or photos in the stadium. I know there’s always initial animosity when a player leave a team for another, but is there long lasting “hatred” from some fan bases toward a player? Who else fits this category? Curious to hear some good examples?