He was a scumbag RF for the Yankees. I don't recall all the specifics, but there were plays/games where he was the center of attention. Beer bottles were thrown on the field and Yankees hate ensued. Police had to get evolved, I think. Before that, no one ever shouted "Yankees Suck". Yankee games were just another game. a700 probably remembers more than I do.
Prior to Rivers, Sox fans in the Boston area were just as/more concerned with other teams.