Yankees Criticize Boston Announcer Following Retaliation Remarks

Members of Major League Baseball’s New York Yankees issued strong public criticism against Boston Red Sox radio play-by-play commentator Will Flemming on Monday after he urged a Red Sox pitcher to throw at a Yankees batter during a live broadcast. The dispute arose following a game between the two historic rivals on Sunday in the Bronx, New York, where several players labeled the announcer’s comments as unprofessional.

The incident occurred in the eighth inning of Sunday’s series finale, with New York holding a 7-1 lead. Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr., a two-time All-Star, stole two bases during the frame. Speaking on the air for Boston radio station WEEI, Flemming criticized Chisholm for stealing while holding a six-run lead, describing him as a “bush league player.” Flemming then suggested to color analyst Will Middlebrooks that Red Sox left-handed relief pitcher Jovani Moran should hit Yankees catcher Austin Wells, who was at the plate, with a pitch in retaliation.

Speaking to reporters on Monday ahead of New York’s series opener against the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim, California, Yankees players rejected Flemming’s comments. Team captain Aaron Judge strongly condemned any call to physically harm opponents, stating that Flemming should refrain from telling pitchers to injure athletes and adding that “That’s not what this game’s about.” Pitcher Carlos Rodon told media outlet The Athletic that opponents must perform better rather than rely on unwritten etiquette, adding that players are competing for their livelihoods and concluding, “Pitch better.”

Yankees manager Aaron Boone addressed the situation by revealing that the decision to steal bases came directly from the dugout rather than from Chisholm. Boone explained that New York took advantage of the situation because Boston was not holding the runner at base. Boone also stated that Flemming phoned him directly on Monday to deliver a personal apology for the on-air remarks.

Flemming issued a public statement on social media apologizing for his conduct and attributing his reaction to the intense emotions surrounding games between the two franchise rivals. He noted that he “could and should have used different words” and expressed that he did not intend to show disrespect toward the Yankees organization or its players.

According to a report by MLB.com, Flemming was not present on the WEEI radio broadcast for Monday night’s game against the Seattle Mariners at Fenway Park due to a previously scheduled break rather than a suspension. Chisholm stated he had not received a personal apology from Flemming and was unbothered by the comments, telling reporters that he was unfamiliar with the announcer prior to the morning discussions.

Background

The New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox share one of the most prominent rivalries in North American professional sports, dating back over a century. Games between the two franchises frequently draw intense media coverage and heighten fan interest.

Baseball features a collection of informal, unwritten rules governing player conduct. Historically, these unwritten guidelines discourage teams with large leads late in games from continuing to steal bases or attempt aggressive tactical plays, which some traditionalists view as unsportsmanlike. In response to perceived violations of these informal codes, pitchers have occasionally thrown directly at opposing batters, though Major League Baseball actively discourages and penalizes intentional pitches aimed at players due to safety concerns.