6 of the most hated Blue Jays players of all-time

Shea Hillenbrand

For someone who was only with the Blue Jays for just over one and a half seasons, Shea Hillenbrand sure left an impression on the organization, albeit not a positive one. He also serves as a reminder of how quickly things can go wrong for someone in the world of professional baseball.

Hillenbrand had an excellent first season in Toronto, which included his second All-Star selection. (He also led the Majors in hits by a pitcher, with a Blue Jays record of 22.) However, things took a turn for the worse the following year in 2006, after he had adopted a baby girl.

The 1996 10th round draft pick was upset, because he believed the Blue Jays were not sensitive to him needing a few days on the West Coast to complete the adoption. He added the organization left him out of the lineup upon his return, and also did not congratulate him.

This led to Hillenbrand writing "play for yourself" and "this ship is sinking" on a board in the clubhouse. As per ESPN, then manager John Gibbons subsequently challenged him to a fight during a tense team meeting, but the offer was declined.

Gibbons told the Mesa, Arizona native he would never play again for the Blue Jays, then let the front office know he would resign if they sided with the player. They backed their manager and Hillenbrand was traded to the Giants soon after.

Erik Hinske -- whether he was talking for the team or just himself -- went on to criticize the two-time All-Star. Hinske essentially said the job of a player is to check their ego at the door and put the team first.

The former third and first baseman didn't help himself, by already having a bad reputation from how he acted during his time with the Red Sox. Coincidental or not, he would only last one more year in the Majors before having to call it quits.

In fairness to Hillenbrand, he has since come out and admitted he was in the wrong with regards to how things played out in Toronto. He has also opened up about the pressure and mental issues he contended with, during his time playing professional baseball.