No matter how talented an athlete is, their off-court antics often gain them haters rather than supporters. The same happened with former New York Yankees pitcher David Wells. The retired ballplayer was in attendance for Old Timers’ Day at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 9th, celebrating legendary names in the Bronx. But inviting Wells to the event was a huge risk.

The day also celebrated 25 years of the 1998 World Series championship, of which the pitcher was a huge part. But while his performance on the mound has been worthy of applause, his antics off the field are often steeped in controversy. An avid supporter of former US President Donald Trump, Wells’ views on various causes echo conservatism. And he brought them along to Yankee Stadium as well.

David Wells Passionately Rants Against Nike on Old Timers’ Day

Boomer Wells lived up to his nickname at the recent Yankees event. While the Bronx gave him the name to celebrate his prowess as a left-hander, in 2023, the word evokes another meaning. Rooted in what the current generation believes to be old-fashioned ideas, Wells appeared at the event to slam several big brand names. One of them was Nike, whose logo Wells covered up on his pinstripes.

“I hate Nike!” he declared. “They’re woke!” In addition to taping his uniform, the retired pitcher also stated that had he been playing today, he would have cut a hole in his jersey. Wells would have been content to play that way rather than wear the symbol on his chest.

Earlier this year, Wells had also replied to a fan comment that did not appreciate his support for Trump. The X user stated, “@BoomerWells33 supports the biggest POS in American history, Donald Trump. Sad!” The ex-Yankees player simply replied, “And Who do you Support ??? Im interested to know??” Somehow, even after all this, Wells was not done. 

After ripping into numerous organizations for their involvement in politics, he even had something to say against MLB. And fans did not like it one bit. Did he only make it to the event to propagate his own agendas, some wondered?

Wells Supports Brian Cashman, Blames Players For Their Troubles

All season long, The Bronx has put pressure on Brian Cashman to bring change, and for Hal Steinbrenner to remove him from office. But the Yankees owner has stated his clear support for the GM, and David Wells is apparently in the same boat.

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“It always seems that the [general managers], the managers, and all of that are getting fired, and getting blamed for it, and it’s the players’ [fault],” he announced on Saturday. “If you’re not doing the job out on the field, and if I was a GM, I would start sending a message.” 

The retired pitcher was also against the newly implemented pitch clock and called the teams’ treatment of players today “too soft.” All in all, not many appreciated his controversial presence on Old Timers’ Day, and one fan wanted Cashman gone for inviting him.

Most hope he doesn’t make a repeat appearance.

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