Joba Chamberlain Reveals His Most Disliked Player: Kevin Youkilis
After a decade of not stepping onto the mound, former Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain has stirred up memories of his heated rivalry with longtime Red Sox player Kevin Youkilis. This revelation came during his appearance on "The Eddie Mata Show," where Chamberlain candidly declared Youkilis as the player he least liked during his ten-year MLB career.
The Early Years: A Rising Star
Chamberlain’s Debut Performance
- Burst onto the scene in 2007 with the New York Yankees
- Known for his fastball reaching up to 100 mph and an impressive 0.38 ERA over 19 games
This initial success came amidst intense competition, particularly against the Red Sox’s Youkilis. The drama between the two players began almost immediately.
Memorable Encounters with Youkilis
Chamberlain’s dislike for Youkilis can be traced back to various confrontations:
Key Incidents:
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August 30, 2007: Ejection and Fine
- Chamberlain threw two fastballs over Youkilis’ head, leading to an ejection and a $1,000 fine.
- Chamberlain claimed the pitches “slipped” out of his hand, while then-Yankees manager Joe Torre supported him.
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July 8, 2008: Collision at Home Plate
- Tensions escalated when Youkilis collided with Chamberlain during a wild pitch.
- Continued Aggression
- Later that month, Chamberlain threw a pitch close to Youkilis’ head, which ended up hitting the bat instead.
Chamberlain’s Reflections:
- Chamberlain stated, “I just didn’t like him,” highlighting their rivalry’s intensity, particularly when it began with Youkilis being on the opposing team.
Career Stats Against Youkilis
Despite his animosity, statistics reveal that Youkilis was quite effective against Chamberlain:
- .333 batting average
- .565 on-base percentage
- .900 slugging percentage with one home run and four RBIs in 23 at-bats
A Surprising Teammate Transition
In a twist of fate, the Yankees signed Youkilis before the 2013 season, a move that surprised many fans given their heated past. Chamberlain tried to downplay their history, stating, “There’s nothing between us. I’m glad to have him on our side.”
However, beneath the surface, Chamberlain felt a sense of betrayal when Youkilis ignored his attempts to connect after signing with the Yankees. “I called him right when he signed and he ignored me,” he recalled, hinting that their rivalry had not entirely evaporated.
Youkilis’s Short Stint with the Yankees
Despite his significant contract of $12 million for one year, Youkilis faced challenges:
- Limited to 28 games due to a back injury leading to season-ending surgery.
- Recorded a batting average of just .219 with two home runs and eight RBIs.
Chamberlain’s sentiments condensed down to: “So that guy can go fly a kite,” encapsulating his long-standing frustrations.
Conclusion: A Historic Rivalry
Joba Chamberlain’s candor regarding Kevin Youkilis sheds light on one of baseball’s more intriguing rivalries. Their encounters on the field highlight the competitive stakes of Yankees vs. Red Sox matchups. Even years after their respective careers and amid a transformed landscape in MLB, the tensions linger, reminding fans that rivalries can foster intense and lasting impressions.
For more on baseball rivalries and player dynamics, check out ESPN or MLB.com.
