Baseball is supposed to be a team sport, but sometimes the drama in the clubhouse could rival a reality TV reunion episode. Between the egos, the contracts, and the daily grind of a 162-game season, it’s no surprise that some MLB teammates have turned into full-blown frenemies.
From subtle shade in interviews to full-on dugout blowups, the history of MLB is filled with petty rivalries that made fans raise their eyebrows and teammates pick sides. Let’s dive into the 20 pettiest beefs between players who were supposed to be on the same side.
20. Barry Bonds and Jeff Kent
You know the tension’s real when teammates have to be separated in the dugout during a game. Bonds and Kent never liked each other, and they didn’t try all that hard to hide it.
19. Yasiel Puig and Zack Greinke
Greinke didn’t love Puig’s antics, and Puig didn’t exactly tone it down to keep the peace. Their icy relationship was one of baseball’s worst-kept secrets in LA.
18. Jonathan Papelbon and Bryce Harper
Papelbon choking Harper in the dugout might be the most “yep, that escalated” moment in Nationals history. Nothing says team chemistry like attempted strangulation.
17. Miguel Cabrera and Gary Sheffield
Two big bats, one small clubhouse. Sheffield once accused Miggy of being a selfish player, and that was basically the end of that partnership.
16. A.J. Pierzynski and Carl Everett
When you get into a fight during a team meeting, that’s a strong sign you’re not exactly pals. These two were oil and water on the White Sox.
15. David Wells and Frank Thomas
Wells made it clear he wasn’t a fan of Thomas’s vibe, and Thomas wasn’t interested in smoothing things over. The tension in the Blue Jays’ clubhouse was so thick you could cut it with a broken bat.
14. Kevin Brown and Jeter/A-Rod
Brown managed to annoy both Jeter and A-Rod, which is kind of impressive. The Yankees had a lot of drama, and Brown was often at the center of it.
13. Manny Ramirez and Kevin Youkilis
Manny had his moments, and one of them was reportedly punching Youkilis in the dugout tunnel. Not quite the handshake line you hope for in a winning team.
12. Cole Hamels and Jake Arrieta
They never got physical, but their passive-aggressive shade in the media said it all. You could tell they weren’t sending each other holiday cards.
11. Jeff Samardzija and Michael Morse
A spring training fight in the clubhouse showers isn’t exactly the best way to start a season. These two Giants got heated, and it boiled over fast.
10. Tommy Pham and Luke Voit
Pham has never been afraid to speak his mind, and he wasn’t shy about calling out Voit’s work ethic. Let’s just say they weren’t sharing protein shake recipes.
9. Chris Sale and Adam Eaton
Sale reportedly didn’t respect Eaton’s leadership style, and Eaton thought Sale was out of line. And if Chris Sale thinks you’re out of line, that’s saying something.
8. Jimmy Rollins and Scott Rolen
Rolen wasn’t exactly beloved in the Phillies’ clubhouse, and Rollins made sure everyone knew it. Their icy vibes helped push Rolen out of town.
7. Reggie Jackson and Billy Martin
Okay, Martin was technically the manager, but this feud was too petty not to include. Dugout arguments and pure disdain made every Yankees broadcast a bit more dramatic.
6. Zack Greinke and Carlos Gomez
These two didn’t get along when they were on the same team, and they definitely didn’t get along as opponents. Greinke reportedly couldn’t stand Gomez’s flair.
5. Rickey Henderson and pretty much everyone
Rickey’s confidence rubbed more than a few teammates the wrong way. Let’s just say not everyone appreciated his third-person declarations.
4. Milton Bradley and Everyone Else
Bradley had issues with more than a few teammates over the years. If he were in your clubhouse, chances are there was some tension in the air.
Read More: 16 Quarterbacks Who Took the Petty Route Out
3. Barry Bonds and the Entire Clubhouse
Yep, he’s back. Bonds’ attitude and superstardom alienated plenty of teammates, turning the clubhouse into his own personal drama series.
Read More: The 25 Most Petty Tennis Players of All Time
2. Dennis Eckersley and David Price
Eckersley made a comment during a broadcast, and Price responded with a vendetta. It wasn’t just petty, it was a full-blown cold war inside the Red Sox clubhouse.
Read More: 15 MLB Veterans Who Always Mentored the Clubhouse
1. Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter
The most famous frenemy situation in baseball history. Two legends, one never-ending rivalry that always seemed one awkward hug away from a total breakdown.
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