Yankee Stadium Booing Soto Draws Memories of Previous Unpleasant Sports Returns
On a Friday night that was anything but ordinary, the New York Yankees fans made their feelings abundantly clear. The target of their ire? None other than Juan Soto, the New York Mets right fielder, who was making his first appearance at Yankee Stadium since his high-profile move across town. The atmosphere was charged with months of pent-up emotions, and the reception Soto received was far from warm.
For those who might not be in the loop, Soto spent the 2024 season with the Yankees before signing a jaw-dropping 15-year $765 million contract with the Mets in December. This move, as you might imagine, didn’t sit well with the Yankees faithful. As Soto took the field, he was met with a chorus of boos, and fans even turned their backs on him in a symbolic gesture of disdain.
But Soto’s frosty reception is just the latest in a long line of contentious homecomings in the world of sports. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and revisit some of the most memorable ones.
John Calipari in Lexington, 2025
John Calipari’s return to Lexington was a spectacle in its own right. After spending 15 years with the Kentucky Wildcats, Calipari made the bold move to the Arkansas Razorbacks. During his tenure, Kentucky reached the Final Four four times and even clinched a national title in the 2011-12 season. However, his last four seasons were less than stellar, and his departure left a sour taste in the mouths of many Wildcats fans. When Calipari returned to Lexington, the boos were deafening.
James Harden in Philadelphia, 2023
James Harden’s departure from the Philadelphia 76ers was anything but smooth. After a season and a half with the team, Harden was traded to the LA Clippers in October 2023. His request for a trade during the 2023 offseason and subsequent comments about 76ers president Daryl Morey only added fuel to the fire. When Harden returned to Philadelphia, the fans made their displeasure known with boos and jeers, especially during his missed shots.
LeBron James in Cleveland, 2010
LeBron James’ return to Cleveland as a member of the Miami Heat was a night to remember. Once hailed as a hero, James was now seen as a villain. The atmosphere was electric with feelings of betrayal and disappointment. Fans expressed their anger with boos, obscenities, and even thrown objects. Despite the hostility, LeBron powered through, scoring 38 points and leading the Heat to a 118-90 victory. He would eventually win back the hearts of Cleveland fans with a championship in 2016.
Jack Eichel in Buffalo, 2022
Jack Eichel’s return to Buffalo was another chapter in the book of contentious homecomings. After being traded to the Vegas Golden Knights, Eichel faced a hostile crowd at the KeyBank Center. Despite the boos, Eichel had a hat trick in the Golden Knights’ 7-4 win over the Sabres, extending their win streak to nine games. Eichel seemed to thrive on the negative energy, using it to fuel his performance.
Bryce Harper in Washington, 2019
Bryce Harper’s move from the Washington Nationals to the Philadelphia Phillies was a shock to many. His return to Nationals Park was met with boos, especially during a pregame tribute video. Fans cheered as Max Scherzer struck him out in his first at-bat. Harper later criticized the fans, saying they “crossed the line.” Despite the animosity, the Nationals went on to win the World Series the following season.
Kevin Durant in Oklahoma City, 2017
Kevin Durant’s departure from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Golden State Warriors was a seismic shift in the NBA. His return to OKC was met with boos and cupcake signs, a reference to his perceived softness. The tension between Durant and former teammate Russell Westbrook added another layer of drama. Despite the hostility, Durant scored 34 points, leading the Warriors to a 130-114 victory.
Deion Sanders in Atlanta, 1994
Deion Sanders’ return to Atlanta as a member of the San Francisco 49ers was a spectacle. Known for his flamboyant style, Sanders taunted the Falcons fans with a 93-yard interception return, complete with a high-step and a grin. The 49ers went on to win 42-3, and Sanders reveled in the boos, turning them into fuel for his performance.
Johnny Damon in Boston, 2006
Johnny Damon’s move from the Boston Red Sox to the New York Yankees was a betrayal in the eyes of many Boston fans. His return to Fenway Park was met with boos and dollar bills thrown onto the field, a nod to his decision to leave for a more lucrative contract. Despite the animosity, Damon remained unfazed, continuing to play his game.
Jaromir Jagr in Pittsburgh, 2001
Jaromir Jagr’s departure from the Pittsburgh Penguins was a bitter pill for fans to swallow. His return to Mellon Arena was met with boos, a response to his request to be traded and his comments about feeling “like I’m dying alive.” Despite the hostility, Jagr continued to play at a high level, proving his worth on the ice.
Alex Rodriguez in Seattle, 2001
Alex Rodriguez’s move from the Seattle Mariners to the Texas Rangers was all about the money. His return to Safeco Field was met with boos, a response to his record-breaking contract. Despite the animosity, Rodriguez continued to perform, showing why he was considered one of the best players in the game.
Vince Carter in Toronto, 2005
Vince Carter’s departure from the Toronto Raptors was a complicated affair. His return to Toronto was met with boos and chants of “V.C. sucks.” Despite the hostility, Carter scored 39 points, leading the Nets to a 101-90 victory. Over time, Carter would mend his relationship with Toronto, but the initial reception was anything but friendly.
Eric Lindros in Philadelphia, 2002
Eric Lindros’ departure from the Philadelphia Flyers was fraught with tension. His return to Philadelphia as a member of the New York Rangers was met with boos, a response to his decision to sit out the remainder of the season and his vow never to play for the Flyers again. Despite the animosity, Lindros continued to play at a high level.
Terrell Owens in Philadelphia, 2006
Terrell Owens’ move from the Philadelphia Eagles to the Dallas Cowboys was a betrayal in the eyes of many Eagles fans. His return to Philadelphia was met with boos and jeers, a response to his criticism of the Eagles and his feud with quarterback Donovan McNabb. Despite the hostility, Owens remained unfazed, continuing to play his game.
Ben Simmons in Philadelphia, 2022
Ben Simmons’ return to Philadelphia as a member of the Brooklyn Nets was met with boos and jeers. Despite the hostility, Simmons played well, putting up 11 points, 11 assists, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, and 3 blocks. However, the Nets fell to the Joel Embiid- and James Harden-less 76ers 115-106, proving that sometimes, the boos can be a distraction.
Originally Written by: Tory Barron
