For Packers fans, it could be worse

Justin Thrift

The other day a buddy of mine asked me a question that ensued in a lengthy debate which has now fueled my need to write this. The question was simple: After signing with the Vikings, do Packers fans hate Brett Favre more than Boston fans hate Roger Clemens?

Now, to be clear, my response was delivered instantaneously in a stumbling of words that caught him off-guard: absolutely and unquestionably, no. At first he was hesitant to admit that Clemens is hated more by Boston fans than Favre currently is by Packer fans, but like most sports fans outside of New England, he had forgotten the numerous factors that have produced this unrivaled hatred between the Boston Red Sox and their fans, and Roger Clemens – a heated detestation that Favre and Green Bay will hopefully never experience. Keep Reading.

In 1985, Roger Clemens made his first appearance in the MLB with the Red Sox and immediately became the pride of Boston. Remember, this was a time when the “Curse of the Bambino” was still relevant; Sox fans were as starved for glory as any fans anywhere, and apart from the Celtics, no Boston team had experienced a championship since the Bruins won the Stanley Cup in 72’. Before 2004, Sox fans took solace in dominant team players such as Rice, Yaz, Pedro, Nomar, and for 10 years in the 80’s and 90’s, Roger Clemens. He pitched his first 20 strikeout game that first season (A MLB record at the time) and earned a solid 14 wins. He was the latest Boston savior, a player that might just be able to carry the team out of this catastrophic championship drought. Boston quickly adopted him as their own and his legendary career began to gain height.

In 86’ Sox fans finally experienced their team playing in the World Series, only to be ultimately embarrassed at Shea Stadium and let down yet again. Tensions were developing, and in time, fans began to grow increasingly restless. Over the next few years, Clemens pitched well, but nothing seemed to accumulate for the team. His consistent pitching earned him 3 AL CY Young awards, some All-Star nods, and other MVP achievements. Still, no World Series title came to fruition.

As the early 90’s rolled in, a nasty tension began to develop between Clemens and the Red Sox head office. Failure to reach contract agreements and endless disputes over his salary's worth led to Clemens falling out of shape, adding a second chin, and functioning with a lethargic apathy that Boston fans did not take kindly to. Clemens' ERA began to sky-rocket and his number of losses began to increase. He was blowing games and looking careless. It became painfully obvious to Sox fans that this relationship didn’t have the legs to continue much further. Everyone knew that the Red Sox and Clemens were heading in separate directions, and we braced ourselves for goodbye.

This is where the story heats up. At a time when Sox fans were ready to move on peacefully and part ways with one of the greatest pitchers to put on the uniform, Clemens adopted an attitude towards Boston fans that turned our sadness, into hatred. After snubbing the Yankees’ $25 million contract offer, Clemens signed with Toronto for an extra $3 million (and this was after saying he was out to join a Championship team – ha!). In his first press conference in a Blue Jay Uniform, Clemens spent his time sensually massaging his new Jays cap and repeatedly praising the Toronto organization for “saving him” and finally treating him with respect. As reporters continually probed him with questions designed to extract thoughts on his time with the Red Sox and their fans, Clemens shot them all down, refusing to talk about his 10 seasons in Boston. Worst of all, he refused to thank the fans for supporting him and embracing him throughout the start of his career. In his blatant refusal to acknowledge his Boston fans and clear the air, Clemens initiated a hostile resentment. Clemens directly insulted the fans and pinned them up on his dart board alongside Boston’s head office.

Clemens immediately returned to his famous form in Toronto, pitching two seasons with 20 plus wins, averaging a 2.32 ERA, and pitching more innings while striking out more players than his previous 3 seasons in Boston. He hadn’t become a better pitcher, he had just returned to his usual form. Boston reporters repeatedly penned columns soaked with questions like “Why wouldn’t you train like this in Boston?” and “Hey Roger, how come you didn’t want to win this badly back in Boston?” Fair questions for a player who demonstrated he did in fact operate with an “on and off” switch.

We watched Clemens dominate batters again, and when he played the Sox, dominate their hitters while casting death stares in the direction of the Boston dugout. Fans wrote him death threats and chanted obscene rhymes. It was ugly, a baseball drama like no other.

Soon, Clemens began to realize that the Jays had no conceivable chance of winning it all (even with the help of his incredible pitching) and he opened talks once again with the Yankees. The YANKEES. To Boston fans, this is the ultimate act of betrayal. Now, Roger Clemens, the pitcher with the most wins in Red Sox history, the Rocket himself, was going to sign with New York. This was the nail in the coffin. This was Wade Boggs all over again. Even if there were still some die hard Clemens fans hidden around the crevices of New England, they all turned on Roger the moment he signed with the Yankees. With his history, it was a direct slap in the face.

Unfortunately, the hatred deepened. In 1999, the same season Clemens signed with New York, Fenway Park opened its doors for a legendary All-Star game in July. As a part of the pre-game ceremonies, Clemens participated in an introduction of the greatest living ballplayers from the 20^th century, a ceremony that was highlighted by Ted Williams’ presence. The low point came, however, when Clemens was introduced to vehemently raucous boos while wearing a Yankees cap. Here, players were told to wear the cap of the team that has meant the most to their career, the team that had seen them achieve their greatest feats; Clemens opted to represent the Yankees – a team he had played on for no more than 3 months. The crowd’s jeers, boos, and threats were deafening. His final chance to relinquish a positive relationship with the fans of Boston had been blown. The moment spoke for itself.

After the game, Clemens’ wife displayed her deep stupidity by crying to a reporter while asking, “Why do they hate him so much?”

Classic.

Ask any Red Sox fan who they hate more, Roger Clemens or any player currently playing for the Yankees roster (Including A-Rod, Jeter, and Damon), and I guarantee you that at least 80% will tell you Clemens. Ask any Toronto, New York, or Houston fan about his overt arrogance and jerk-like persona: they’re sure to attest.

But perhaps the greatest difference between Packer fans’ anger and Sox fans’ hatred is this: Green Bay will probably never have to see their guy succeed and play better than he ever did in Wisconsin. Favre most likely won’t have multiple All-Star seasons in Minnesota or win a Super Bowl ring.

While Brett Favre’s latest career move has fully desolated his Green Bay fans and tarnished his relationship with the city that made his career, it’s not a malicious attack against Packer fans. Clemens has successfully slapped Boston fans in the face for the past 12 years, and enjoyed every minute of it. Brett Favre has expressed his gratitude towards Packer fans, even if they aren’t willing to listen right now. He’s repeatedly tried to explain his predicament and offer insight on his career move, a move that is ultimately solely founded upon the idea of continuing to play the sport he loves. His media presence has been aggravating to watch, and his persistence to keep a dying flame alive has come at the expense of his biggest fans, but he’s not reached the level of Roger Clemens’ pompous antics.

And so Packer fans, I honestly feel for you. I’ve been there, a few times. I can only hope that you get to see Brett fall on his face again this season as he did last year in New York, you deserve it. But rest assured, no matter how cheated you feel, how angry you become, it could be frightfully worse.