The 1970s were a golden age of baseball—big personalities, hard-nosed play, and more than a few wild controversies. From on-field fights to off-field drama, these players made sure fans had plenty to talk about.
Some were troublemakers, some were misunderstood, and some just couldn’t stay out of their own way. Here are the 15 most controversial MLB players of the ‘70s—the ones who made headlines for more than just their stats.
15. Bill Lee
Nicknamed “Spaceman” for a reason, Lee was one of the most outspoken and eccentric players of his time. Whether it was calling out management, feuding with teammates, or promoting the benefits of marijuana, he always kept things interesting.
14. Vida Blue
Blue was electric on the mound but found himself in controversy over contract disputes with A’s owner Charlie Finley. After refusing to play over a salary dispute and later getting caught up in a drug scandal, his once-bright future took a hit.
13. Lou Piniella
Piniella had a short fuse and was always in the middle of some kind of argument. Whether he was feuding with umpires, fighting teammates, or charging the mound, his fiery temper kept him in the headlines.
12. Al Hrabosky
Known as The Mad Hungarian, Hrabosky was a showman on the mound who loved to fire himself up with his intense pre-pitch routine. His confrontational attitude with umpires, batters, and even his own coaches made him one of the most polarizing relievers of the decade.
11. Lenny Randle
Randle is most famous for literally punching his manager, Frank Lucchesi, during an argument. That incident got him suspended, arrested, and labeled as one of the most unpredictable players of the decade.
10. Bobby Bonds
Barry Bonds’ dad was a beast on the field but also known for his love-hate relationship with the media and his struggles with alcohol. The Giants controversially traded him despite his star power, which left many wondering if it was about more than just baseball.
9. Ferguson Jenkins
Jenkins was one of the best pitchers of the ’70s but found himself in serious trouble in 1980 when he was caught with cocaine, hashish, and marijuana. Though he was reinstated, the controversy followed him long after his playing days.
8. Thurman Munson
Munson was a Yankees legend, but he was also known for his intense personality and disdain for the media. His rivalry with Carlton Fisk and constant clashes with reporters made him one of the most talked-about figures in baseball.
7. Carlton Fisk
Speaking of Fisk, he wasn’t just a great catcher—he was also constantly involved in controversies. Whether it was his heated fights with the Yankees, legendary brawls with Thurman Munson, or his fiery attitude, he never shied away from conflict.
6. Steve Garvey
Garvey was Mr. Clean on the field, but his personal life was a soap opera. His numerous affairs and multiple secret children made headlines, turning his once-perfect image into a messy situation.
5. Dave Kingman
Kingman could crush baseballs, but he also crushed relationships with teammates and reporters. He was known for being moody, difficult to deal with, and once even sent a live rat to a female reporter.
4. Bert Blyleven
Blyleven had a Hall of Fame career, but his love for clubhouse pranks got him in trouble. Setting teammates’ shoelaces on fire and being known as a bit of a hothead made him one of the most controversial figures in baseball.
3. Reggie Jackson
Reggie wasn’t just Mr. October—he was also Mr. Controversy. From his public feud with Yankees manager Billy Martin to openly declaring himself “the straw that stirs the drink,” he was as famous for his mouth as he was for his bat.
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2. Billy Martin
Martin was a great manager but an even better troublemaker. Between fighting his own players, feuding with Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, and getting fired five different times by New York, he was the ultimate baseball bad boy.
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1. Pete Rose
Rose played the game hard, but his gambling habits made him a permanent controversy magnet. While his betting scandal exploded in the late ‘80s, whispers of something shady had been following him since his playing days.
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