Why one of baseball's most talented hitters became a lightning rod for fan hostility
In short: J. D. Drew was a collegiate phenomenon who shattered records and became a top MLB draft pick. Yet, his career was defined by a contentious contract dispute, persistent injuries, and a complex relationship with fans. He remains the only player to participate in two separate strings of four consecutive home runs.
J. D. Drew arrived in professional baseball with immense expectations after a historic career at Florida State University. In 1997, he became the first college player to achieve a season with at least 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases. Despite his collegiate dominance, his transition to the majors was marred by a high-profile standoff. After being drafted second overall by the Philadelphia Phillies in 1997, Drew and his agent, Scott Boras, refused to sign for the offered $2.6 million, holding out for $10 million. This defiance led to a stint in an independent league and created lasting animosity in Philadelphia, where fans famously pelted him with batteries during his first appearance at Veterans Stadium in 1999.
Throughout his career, Drew struggled to shed the perception that he underperformed relative to his talent. Manager Tony La Russa famously expressed frustration, suggesting that Drew seemed content to operate at only 75 percent of his potential. Injuries frequently interrupted his momentum, particularly during his time with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he landed on the disabled list every season. Despite these challenges, Drew experienced a career resurgence with the Atlanta Braves in 2004 and later became a pivotal figure for the Boston Red Sox, contributing to their 2007 World Series title.
Drew’s legacy is marked by flashes of extraordinary brilliance. He is the only player in history to participate in two separate instances of four consecutive home runs, once with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2006 and again with the Red Sox in 2007. His postseason performance was equally notable; in 2008, he sparked a historic comeback against the Tampa Bay Rays, helping the Red Sox overcome a seven-run deficit while facing elimination. By the time he retired in 2011, Drew had navigated a career that balanced elite statistical achievements with the pressures of massive contracts and public scrutiny.
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