Boston Red Sox radio commentator Will Flemming didn't hold back on criticizing New York Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. in Sunday's game, and is receiving plenty of negative publicity for his comments. With the Yankees leading the Red Sox by six runs in the bottom of the eighth inning, Chisholm stole first, then second base with no outs and catcher Austin Wells at the plate for the hosts. "This is what he does," Flemming said after Chisholm stole the second base.
"Wouldn't you sort of like to see [Red Sox reliever Jovani] Moran drill Wells right here? [Chisholm is] a bush league player." Wells went on to hit a home run the very same at-bat, sending Flemming on another tirade. "Moran should fight Chisholm," Flemming said. "...Chisholm, I'm going to say it, he plays the game the wrong way." The Yankees continued to pile on that inning, scoring nine runs in the eighth to win the game, 16-1.
Chisholm went 2-for-3 in the game, walking twice and scoring three runs. Flemming's comments went viral after the conclusion of the game, and the commentator received plenty of backlash for his comments. Flemming said he received calls and threats nonstop after the incident, and took to social media to apologize Monday morning.
"My comments during yesterday's broadcast crossed a line," Flemming wrote via X. "I'm emotional and a fan at heart and that bled into the broadcast. "I meant no disrespect to the Yankees players or organization.
I could and should have used different words. These rivalry games get me fired up; I apologize for letting the emotion of the moment get the best of me." The Yankees and Red Sox don't face each other for the remainder of the regular season, but could very well run into each other in the postseason. Both teams have a tight hold on the top two Wild Card spots, meaning they'll meet in the first round of the postseason yet again if results stand.
The Yankees won the last October matchup between the two teams, and they'll look to do the same after Flemming stoked the flame on one of the most historic rivalries in the sport.
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