Boston Red Sox radio play-by-play announcer Will Flemming took to social media on Monday to apologize for his comments after facing criticism for an on-air tirade during Sunday’s game. Working for Boston radio station WEEI, Flemming unloaded on New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. during a 16-1 blowout loss at Yankee Stadium.
Red Sox Broadcaster Will Flemming Issues Apology After On-Air Outburst
Flemming posted a statement on X addressing the fallout from the broadcast. My comments during yesterday’s broadcast crossed a line. I’m emotional and a fan at heart and that bled into the broadcast,
Flemming wrote, adding, 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.
He also noted that he had been receiving nonstop calls and threats following the game.
Stolen Bases Spark Retaliatory Calls From the Broadcast Booth
The controversy began in the bottom of the eighth inning with the Yankees holding a 7-1 lead. Chisholm drew a leadoff walk against Red Sox left-handed reliever Jovani Moran and promptly stole second base. Because Boston elected not to hold him on at second, Chisholm quickly stole third base without a throw.
As Chisholm stole third, Flemming stated on air, Chisholm’s doing it again. This is what he does.
WEEI color analyst Will Middlebrooks bemoaned the extra-base steals while holding a six-run lead. Middlebrooks, who played six seasons in the major leagues including three with the Red Sox, called the moves selfish
and accused Chisholm of padding your stats,
explaining that Boston’s decision not to hold the runner was effectively waving the white flag. Flemming then escalated his commentary by suggesting Moran should retaliate against Yankees catcher Austin Wells, who was currently batting: Wouldn’t you sort of like to see Moran drill Wells right here?
Flemming subsequently derided Chisholm as a bush league player
and later stated, I’m gonna say it, he plays the game the wrong way.
Three pitches after the plunking suggestion, Wells hit a two-run home run off Moran to plate Chisholm. As Chisholm took a slow trot down the third-base line, Flemming added further fuel to the fire: Moran should fight Chisholm. [Moran] is walking toward the third-base line, staring at him there.
NESN color commentator Lou Merloni also expressed frustration with Chisholm’s base-stealing in that game situation.
Frustrations Mount Amid Escalating Red Sox-Yankees Rivalry
The blowout loss compounded an already frustrating afternoon for the Red Sox, whose grievances on Sunday started earlier in the contest. In the fifth inning during a scoreless game, Boston center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela made a diving play on a low line drive off the bat of Chisholm. Although the play initially appeared to be a double play, the umpiring crew ruled it a catch that was trapped, and a replay challenge allowed the call on the field to stand. Flemming heavily criticized the replay review during the broadcast, calling it ridiculous.
The missed double play opened the door for a five-run inning that shifted the momentum entirely toward New York. Following the game, the Yankees (78-59) held a four-game lead over the Red Sox (74-63) for second place in the American League East and the top wild-card spot, while also officially clinching the regular-season series 7-6.
Flemming remarked that the heated exchange and overall series dynamics likely added a little extra vinegar
to a potential postseason matchup between the longtime rivals. Audacy, the parent company that owns WEEI, and the Red Sox did not return requests for comment.
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