9. Jeffrey Loria, Miami Marlins
In 2013, Ira Boudway of Bloomberg wrote a piece calling Loria “The most hated man in baseball.” Why had Loria earned such scorn?
Perhaps because he strong-armed Miami’s taxpayers into funding a stadium for him. In 2005, Loria said (per Murray Chass, The New York Times) that he was “done losing money until there’s a commitment from others.” In other words, “until you pay for a stadium, get used to bargain basement baseball players.” Eventually, it worked. In 2012, brand new Marlins Park opened. Loria even seemed committed to holding up his end of the bargain, bringing in high-priced talent for the season.
After an admittedly disappointing season, most of the high-priced talent was gone. One man who stayed was a then young superstar named Giancarlo Stanton, who was not happy.
Alright, I'm pissed off!!! Plain & Simple
— Giancarlo Stanton (@Giancarlo818) November 13, 2012
Loria’s promise was a complete lie perpetrated against the Marlins fans and apparently, players, as well.
While the 2012 plan didn’t work, 2013-2016 weren’t exactly success stories either. Miami failed to win more than 79 games in any of those seasons and averaged a 72-90 record.
Fortunately for the Marlins, Loria’s ownership tenure may be coming to an end. Unfortunately, in what seems like a surefire way to alienate America’s longest standing ally, he may become the US Ambassador to France.