Baseball is a game of emotion, but sometimes those emotions go straight from “competitive” to full-blown meltdown. Some players just couldn’t handle a called third strike, a bad hop, or a little trash talk without throwing a fit.
Whether it was whining to umpires, starting bench-clearing arguments over nothing, or acting like every slight was a personal attack, these guys made drama part of their game. Here are the 15 biggest crybabies in baseball history—ranked from mildly dramatic to full tantrum mode.
15. Alex Rodriguez
A-Rod was a great player, but man, could he complain. From slapping gloves to shouting during pop-ups, he had a flair for the petty.
14. Madison Bumgarner
Bumgarner was always looking for a reason to get mad. If you looked at him the wrong way after a home run, it was suddenly a federal offense.
13. Bryce Harper
Harper’s passion sometimes crossed into full diva territory. Toss a helmet, argue a call, spike the bat—he’s had all the moments.
12. Paul O’Neill
O’Neill was basically a walking tantrum in pinstripes. Throwing helmets, smashing water coolers—he never took a bad at-bat lightly.
11. Jonathan Papelbon
Papelbon had the intensity of a guy who drank five Red Bulls before every inning. He wasn’t afraid to throw teammates—or tantrums—under the bus.
10. Manny Machado
Machado has had his fair share of pouty moments, especially when things don’t go his way. He’s got all the talent in the world—and just enough attitude to go with it.
9. John Rocker
Rocker was more of a walking controversy than just a crybaby, but he definitely whined a lot. Especially when the spotlight turned critical, which it often did.
8. Josh Donaldson
Donaldson carries himself like the world is always out to get him. If he strikes out or gets brushed back, expect a whole dramatic scene to follow.
7. Barry Bonds
Bonds was undeniably great—but not exactly warm and fuzzy. If something didn’t go his way, the mood turned sour fast.
6. Carlos Gomez
Gomez could start a fight just by flipping a bat. If someone didn’t like it, he’d act like he was the victim every time.
5. Milton Bradley
Bradley had all the tools—and all the outbursts. From arguing with umpires to clashing with teammates, he always had something to complain about.
4. Jose Bautista
Joey Bats was never afraid to chirp after a big hit… or whine when things didn’t go his way. That famous bat flip was iconic, but the follow-up drama lasted way too long.
3. Yasiel Puig
Puig brought a lot of fun to the game—and a lot of theatrics. Every slight was a personal insult, and he was always ready to escalate.
Read More: Ranking the 15 Biggest Crybabies in NBA History
2. Pete Rose
Charlie Hustle was also Charlie Complainer. Umpires, opponents, rules—he had beef with everyone at some point.
Read More: Ranking the 15 Most Overdramatic Players in NFL History
1. Roger Clemens
Nobody threw a bigger fit on the mound than Clemens. Whether it was glaring at umpires, beaning batters, or chucking pieces of broken bats, he turned every inconvenience into a full-blown meltdown.
Read More: 15 MLB Players Who Threw Shade But Couldn’t Catch It
