Kansas City Sports: Most Despised Athletes to Kansas City Fans

MOST DESPISED ATHLETES IN KC – NUMBER 3: MADISON BUMGARNER

The last MLB player to appear on the list is none other than the guy who singlehandedly prevented the Kansas City Royals from winning a World Series in 2014. That guy is Madison Bumgarner of the San Francisco Giants.

Let’s paint the picture.

In 2014, the Royals captured the hearts of everyone in Kansas City and around Major League Baseball. They went on to win a crazy Wild Card game and then swept their way to the World Series, their first appearance in the fall classic since 1985.

The Royals hadn’t made the postseason in 29 years before 2014 and it seemed like destiny for them to take the crown that year. Little did they know that they’d not only fall 90 feet short, but that one guy on the opposing team would prevent them from winning their first World Series in 29 years.

Had the Royals not had to face a freaking cyborg in the World Series, they’d probably have won it all that year.

The American League won the All-Star Game, which decided home field advantage throughout the World Series. That meant the Royals would be hosting the Giants in Game 1 at Kauffman Stadium.

Bumgarner pitched in Game 1 and allowed only one run off of three hits through seven innings. The Royals would fall to 0-1 in the series after losing 7-1.

In Game 5, Bumgarner would throw another gem, this time a complete game gem. That’s right… MadBum threw nine scoreless innings while only surrendering four hits on the night. The Royals would fall to 3-2 in the series, but did manage to force a Game 6.

Bumgarner is hated in Kansas City because of a respect thing. He did something that had literally never been done before.

After winning Game 6, everything seemed to be falling Kansas City’s way. Game 7 would be in their own backyard and they had the momentum on their side. The only looming factor was that Madison Bumgarner would reportedly be available out of the bullpen to pitch for the Giants if need be.

With the Royals trailing 3-2 after four innings, Bumgarner came in and finished the game. He threw five scoreless innings and only gave up two hits. He was the only thing that stopped the Royals from winning the whole shebang that year.

Bumgarner is hated in Kansas City because of a respect thing. He did something that had literally never been done before. His final line in that World Series was 21 innings while only giving up one run off of nine hits with an ERA of 0.43. He won the MVP for the Giants that year, which was well-deserved.

Had the Royals not had to face a freaking cyborg in the World Series, they’d probably have won it all that year. Had that happened, however, we might not have had the legendary 2015 season. So, maybe Madison Bumgarner putting on a show was a good thing.

Until then, however, he’s third on this list of most hated athletes in Kansas City.