The 1980s were a wild time in Major League Baseball—big personalities, on-field drama, and plenty of off-field controversies. From legendary brawls to drug scandals and infamous feuds, the decade was full of players who made headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Some were polarizing because of their attitudes, others got caught up in legal trouble, and a few just couldn’t stay out of their own way. But whether they were loved or hated, these guys kept baseball entertaining. Let’s count down 15 of the most controversial MLB players of the ’80s—the guys who, for better or worse, made sure everyone was talking about them.
15. Pete Rose
You knew Charlie Hustle was making this list. While he was still racking up hits in the ‘80s, his gambling scandal was brewing, eventually leading to a lifetime ban from baseball.
14. Dave Kingman
Kingman was known for hitting monster home runs and being just as big of a personality off the field. He infamously sent a dead rat to a female reporter, proving that he wasn’t exactly a media darling.
13. George Brett
Brett was one of the best hitters of the ‘80s, but the Pine Tar Incident in 1983 made him a household name. His legendary meltdown after being called out for excessive pine tar on his bat is still one of the most iconic freakouts in baseball history.
12. Darryl Strawberry
Strawberry was a superstar for the Mets, but his off-field issues, including drug problems and locker room fights, made him a constant headline. His talent was undeniable, but so were the controversies that followed him throughout his career.
11. Jose Canseco
Canseco burst onto the scene in the late ‘80s with tape-measure home runs and zero humility. Between his brash attitude, steroid rumors, and love for the spotlight, he was as polarizing as they come.
10. Jack Clark
Clark wasn’t afraid to call out teammates and opponents, making him one of the most outspoken players of the decade. His feuds with the Cardinals front office and public trash talk made him a lightning rod for controversy.
9. Lenny Dykstra
“Nails” played the game hard and lived just as recklessly off the field. His partying ways and questionable business dealings made him one of baseball’s most notorious bad boys.
8. Bert Blyleven
A dominant pitcher, sure, but also known for his pranks that often crossed the line. His clubhouse antics—including lighting teammates’ shoelaces on fire—made him a divisive figure in baseball circles.
7. Al Holland
Holland was a solid relief pitcher but made waves when he was caught up in the Pittsburgh drug trials. His name being connected to a major baseball cocaine scandal definitely didn’t help his reputation.
6. Dennis Eckersley
Eck was an incredible closer, but he had no problem talking trash. His flamboyant mound celebrations and fiery personality made him one of the most controversial players of the decade.
5. Dave Parker
Another star caught up in the infamous Pittsburgh drug trials, Parker went from an MVP to a poster child for baseball’s cocaine problem. His involvement hurt his reputation, but his talent kept him on the field.
4. Wade Boggs
Boggs was a hitting machine, but his off-the-field lifestyle was just as legendary. From drinking 100 beers on a cross-country flight to marital scandals, he made plenty of headlines that had nothing to do with baseball.
3. Rickey Henderson
Rickey was the best leadoff hitter of all time, but his ego made him a polarizing figure. Whether it was referring to himself in the third person or holding out for bigger contracts, he made sure people were always talking about him.
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2. Steve Howe
Howe was an incredibly talented reliever, but his repeated drug suspensions defined his career. Despite multiple second chances, he just couldn’t stay out of trouble, becoming one of the most controversial players of his time.
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1. Billy Martin
Okay, technically not a player in the ‘80s, but Billy Martin was still making headlines as a manager, and honestly, his controversies outshined everyone. Between his infamous dugout fights, feuds with George Steinbrenner, and getting hired-and-fired by the Yankees five times, Martin was the ultimate baseball bad boy.
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