After arriving as the new pitcher for the New York Mets, having signed for two years and $22 million, A.J. Minter angered fans of the other New York team, the Yankees.
The former Atlanta Braves reliever said that the fans in Flushing are much better than those in the Bronx.
The 31-year-old left-hander is coming off left shoulder surgery after eight years with Atlanta, where he went 24-29 with a 3.28 ERA and 36 saves in 384 appearances.
Before being sidelined by surgery in August, he went 5-4 last season with a 2.62 ERA and one save in 39 games, striking out 35 and walking 11 in 34.1 innings before the surgery.
After being a key man in the bullpen for the Braves who won the 2021 World Series, Minter will play for the Mets from 2025, and in six outings against the Yankees, four of them in the Bronx, he had seven strikeouts and did not allow a single run.
The message from Minter that angered Yankees fans
You can tell these Mets fans are real baseball fans. Not like on the other side of town.
Minter thus highlighted the Mets’ fans over those of the Bronx Bombers, and added that they have a greater tolerance for pain compared to the Yankees, who frequently claim to have the best team in MLB.
Minter said the Mets have a lot of fans who support the team both in victory and defeat, which is part of the game. Minter is hopeful of getting back on the mound soon and making a place for himself in the hearts of Queens fans.
Now, due to his strong attachment to the Mets and his statement, the Yankees and their fans went after him.
The reaction of the Bronx fans
A user shared a post on his X account: “Bro said this with two ex Yankees next to him too,” referring to his new teammates, pitchers Clay Holmes and Frankie Montas.
“Let’s act like New York isn’t run by Yankees fans… the Mets will never live up to their big brother,” said another user on social media.
A Dodgers fan also gave his opinion and said: “I can confirm that Yankees fans are some of the best in baseball! Coming from a Dodgers fan.”
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