Ah, I cannot remember any local athlete who people loved and scorned at the same time than Luke Scott.
Yes, Scott often shot off his mouth when it came to controversial topics, politics, his rights as a gun-toting American, as well as the President of United States; however, he always was a fascinating character. In addition, when he was not streaky, he could hit the ball a long way.
However, as much as I criticized Scott over the years for his silly statements, he came off as a hard-working guy, who many people appreciated. In fact, once you looked past his controversial statements, you almost came off appreciating Scott for who he was.
I met him a few times, and was always gracious, candid, plus appreciated his life as a major-league ballplayer.
Now, he has shot off his mouth again, but this time at the Boston Red Sox — specifically, their fans. Scott wanted to share his feelings on the legendary final night of the 2011 season, and in vintage style … it was done.
From the Baltimore Sun: Scott, now with the Rays, was discussing how exciting it was to be in the Orioles’ clubhouse while the two teams were combining to dash Boston’s postseason hopes on the last night of the 2011 regular season — “It was awesome, just a beautiful thing,” Scott told MLB.com. Asked about his opinion of Red Sox fans, he made it clear that he doesn’t hold them in high esteem.
“Just their arrogance,” Scott told MLB.com. “The fans come in and they take over the city. They’re ruthless. They’re vulgar. They cause trouble. They talk about your family. Swear at you. Who likes that? When people do that, it just gives you more incentive to beat them. Then when things like [the last game of last season] happen, you celebrate even more.”
That is, undoubtedly, a sentiment shared by plenty of Orioles fans who have become accustomed to seeing a horde of Red Sox fans descend on Camden Yards every time Boston is in town for a series, derisively labeling the stadium “Fenway Park South.”
“I got to see a priceless thing driving back to my apartment [after the regular-season finale],” Scott continued. “I see all the Boston fans walking around, and I mean they were crying crocodile tears. … It was like someone shot their dog. I rolled down the window and I’m like, ‘Ah, hah, [stinks] doesn’t it, when someone laughs or makes fun of you when things aren’t going your way?'”
It’s a bit unusual for a ballplayer to attack fans of another fan base. They always stay on their talking points, saying everything — but nothing. However, Scott has never followed that script and I’m sure media loves it.
Then again, almost every Oriole fan feels the same way Scott does when Red Sox nation comes to town.
I will miss Luke Scott. Not so much for his streaky nature at the plate, but for his outspokeness.
