Pierzynski beats to his own drum

Originally Published: August 21, 2006

A.J. Pierzynski loves to win. He just has a funny way of showing it.

Email Share

STAY AHEAD OF THE GAME Become an Insider Today

By Tim Keown
ESPN The Magazine
Archive | Contact

A.J. Pierzynski bemoans the lack of creativity emanating from the stands in America�s ballparks. He ruminates on the subject like a scholar, as if the issue were linked to the greater failure of the country's educational system. These unschooled and unskilled hecklers, doomed to a life of menial insults, belt out "You suck, A.J.!" or "Look out -- here comes Michael Barrett!" and slap hands with their buddies as if volume equaled accomplishment.

Pierzynski shakes his head. He has built up such an impressive body of work, and they honor it with such lame insults. What a waste.

"If you're going to come with something, come up with something good," he says. "I'll laugh with you. Promise. But, I mean, 'A.J., you suck'? Come on. You can�t do better than that?"

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

ESPN The Magazine subscribers

Activate your Insider account »
Need more information?

View Insider Benefits »

ESPN MLB