Now a Brave, A.J. Pierzynski says he’s ready for a fight

A.J. Pierzynski’s reputation as a fiery athlete precedes him.

There’s a reason, of course, that Pierzynski was named one of the 10 most hated athletes by GQ on a list made back in 2006, when he was a member of the White Sox.

Now 38 years old and in the twilight of his career, Pierzynski isn’t interested in changing that reputation. He’s doubling down.

“I’ll do whatever it takes to help my team win,” Pierzynski told MLB.com after signing with the Braves on Wednesday. “If you need me to fight the guy, I’ll fight the guy. I’ll do whatever it takes because I want to win the game. For three hours, I don’t care who is pitching [against my team]. Mark Buehrle is one of my good friends. But when we’re facing him, I want to kill him. Then afterwards, we’ll go out and get a beer.”

There isn’t a quote that sums up Pierzynzki’s career better.

[h/t SB Nation]