Baseball has always had its fair share of larger-than-life personalities, but some stars took the spotlight and ran with it a little too far. Whether it was flashy behavior, ego-driven decisions, or simply being unable to stay out of the headlines, these individuals proved that the fame game can be a tricky one to navigate.
This list counts down the MLB stars who let success go straight to their heads. These are the players who forgot that baseball is still a team sport, even when the cameras are pointed your way.
23. Yasiel Puig
Puig burst onto the scene with jaw-dropping talent and even more jaw-dropping antics. The flair was fun at first—until it started to wear thin in every clubhouse he entered.
22. Jonathan Papelbon
Papelbon had the closer’s fire, but also the closer’s ego turned up to eleven. From calling out teammates to choking Bryce Harper, subtlety was never his thing.
21. Jose Canseco
Few players have embraced celebrity like Canseco, and even fewer have done so so publicly. His post-career antics somehow managed to overshadow his already outrageous playing days.
20. Manny Ramirez
Manny being Manny was fun—until it wasn’t. His fame-fueled eccentricities made him a fan favorite and a manager’s nightmare.
19. Carlos Zambrano
Zambrano had the talent, but he also brought constant chaos. Fame didn’t help his temper, and teammates often paid the price.
18. Bryce Harper
Harper came into the league with a Sports Illustrated cover and a truckload of hype. While he’s grown over time, early fame brought a swagger that sometimes crossed the line.
17. Alex Rodriguez
A-Rod was obsessed with his image and legacy from the start. The constant branding, media drama, and PED scandal didn’t help his case.
16. Trevor Bauer
Bauer wanted to be the brightest and loudest guy in every room. The more famous he got, the more unfiltered he became—for better or (mostly) worse.
15. Barry Bonds
Bonds were already outstanding, but the pursuit of immortality turned him into something else entirely. The chase for fame (and records) often came with a side of arrogance.
14. Josh Donaldson
Donaldson never shied away from the spotlight—or from saying precisely what was on his mind. His attitude made headlines almost as often as his bat did.
13. Joba Chamberlain
Joba Mania was real, and so was his belief in his hype. The rapid rise and even quicker fall showed how fame can be a double-edged sword.
12. Nyjer Morgan
Morgan’s “Tony Plush” persona became bigger than his game. The alter ego was entertaining, but it often blurred the line between fun and distraction.
11. Roger Clemens
Clemens acted like he was above the rules—and sometimes, the team. Fame only amplified the intensity and the controversies.
10. Rickey Henderson
Rickey was his own biggest fan, and he made sure everyone knew it. His confidence was legendary, but so was the ego behind it.
9. Milton Bradley
Flashes of brilliance and constant conflict marked Bradley’s career. Fame only seemed to pour gasoline on an already volatile personality.
8. David Wells
Wells lived like a rock star and pitched like one, too, when he felt like it. His fame-fueled lifestyle often came before conditioning or consistency.
7. John Rocker
Rocker let his brief moment in the spotlight go straight to his head—and then right off the rails. He seemed more interested in shock value than saving games.
6. Darryl Strawberry
Strawberry had all the talent in the world, but fame quickly became a distraction. The off-field drama often overshadowed his on-field potential.
5. Kevin Brown
Brown’s attitude seemed to shift once the big money started rolling in. His interactions with media and teammates got rockier the more famous (and paid) he became.
4. Jason Giambi
Giambi leaned into fame and the party lifestyle, especially during his year with the Yankees. It made for some great tabloid stories, if not always great baseball.
3. Reggie Jackson
Mr. October had the rings and the resume—but also the ego. Reggie loved the spotlight and rarely passed up a chance to remind you of it.
Read More: 25 MLB Players Whose Egos Could Fill the Outfield
2. Steve Howe
Howe was incredibly talented, but couldn’t stay out of his own way. Fame didn’t just go to his head—it became a cycle of self-destruction.
Read More: The 15 Most Egotistical Players in MLB History
1. Pete Rose
Rose’s on-field brilliance was rivaled only by his off-field ego. Even with a Hall of Fame career, he seemed more interested in feeding his fame than protecting his legacy.
Read More: 10 Reasons Why MLB Fans Have Had Enough of Bryce Harper
