Christopher James - April 8, 2006
The baseball season has started, the Jays are looking strong, and the hate-meter in Toronto is at an all time low, but don’t worry, I’m here to help. I asked our readers which ex-Jays they hated, and they responded in full force. ‘Toronto the good’, my ass, you readers have some serious hate-ons and are not afraid to share. But before we get the definitive list of the 10 Ex-Blue Jays every fan should hate, I’m gonna share some of my favourite comments.
“David Wells. He might be one only baseball player that if I saw walking on the street, that I'd consider taking a serious swing at.”
Jeff H. hates the big man in blue, and he is not alone. Our poll made it clear that Toronto fans do not forget, and are not against resorting to violence, if need be.
“Joey Hamilton....what a dog...big league salary...an unending series of non injuries so he could take the money and run without even throwing the ball.”
B.A. McFarlane wrote to us with ungodly demands for a professional player...namely, that they ACTUALLY PLAY! This was a common theme with our readers, as Dud-Jays dominated the hate-charts.
The TBG reader with the most hate brewing was Ken Kosowan, who sent in a list of eight ex-Jays who he detested, including former players, broadcasters, and mascots. Here are a couple of his greatest-hates:
“Robert Person - Is it wrong to hate someone because your team traded your favourite player for him? Is it wrong to hate a pitcher because he achieved success with another team, instead of one's own? In a word; no.”
“Kenny Williams - Couldn't hit a lick. Almost killed John McLaren when he nearly ran him over past third base. If that wasn't bad enough, he hosed the Jays by trading them Mike Sirotka.”
Sean, Joel, and Jim of the TBG staff also chimed in, and were no less full of the hate.
Sean - Derek Bell. A promising outfielder traded by the Jays for his lackadaisical play, Derek went on to become a league-average player overrated thanks to his batting between Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell in Houston. After signing with Pittsburgh, he batted .173 for a whole season, and then began "Operation Shutdown" after the Pirates wisely took away his starting job. A guy I found myself cheering against throughout his career.
Joel - I hated David Cone. Loved him when he was here, mind you. I remember where I was when I learned that the Jays got him the first time. Then he took the money and ran to Kansas city. Then he realised Toronto wasn't so bad and came back. I was happy again. Then he was traded to the Yankees midseason where he was so good for so many years. I was jealous. So I hate David Cone because of what could have been had the Jays not stunk up the mid-90s.
Jim - Jose Canseco. The Jays have generally done a pretty good job acquiring and promoting solid citizens, so no one leaps to mind. I always felt funny watching Jose Canseco in a Jays uniform. With his checkered history, his infatuation with going 30-30 - he was thrown out repeatedly while on 29 steals and never did get to 30 - and the speed with which he copped Ed Sprague's number after he was dealt, Canseco seemed a self-absorbed player, and he just seemed out of place in Toronto.
But enough of all this...let’s get to the list & the dominant reader sentiments for each player.
So that’s the list. I feel better. Thank you for sending in your lists, and feel free to print this and keep in next to your heart. Your hate is justified. Keep it alive....hate them all, hate them well(s)...
