New York Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. brushed off fierce criticism from Boston Red Sox radio broadcaster Will Flemming after stealing two bases during a 16-1 blowout victory, stating he did not know who the announcer was and would not remember him afterward.
The final regular-season meeting between the rival American League East clubs erupted into controversy on Sunday at Yankee Stadium when WEEI play-by-play announcer Will Flemming launched into a tirade against Chisholm. With the Yankees holding a commanding 7-1 lead in the eighth inning, Chisholm drew a walk, stole second base, and then stole third base. The aggressive baserunning while holding a comfortable lead drew immediate condemnation from the Red Sox radio booth.
Will Flemming Criticizes Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Advocates Retaliation
Flemming expressed intense frustration on air as Chisholm took extra bases, telling color analyst Will Middlebrooks that the infielder was a bush league player
who played the game the wrong way. As the inning continued and catcher Austin Wells stepped to the plate, Flemming advocated for Red Sox pitcher Jovani Morán to throw at the batter in retaliation.
“Wouldn’t you sort of like to see Morán drill Wells right here?”
Will Flemming, WEEI radio play-by-play announcer
Moments after Flemming’s comments, Wells hit a two-run home run off Morán to extend New York’s lead to 9-1. As Chisholm jogged slowly around the bases, Flemming added that Morán should fight Chisholm.
Middlebrooks, who played six seasons including three with Boston, offered more tempered criticism of the sequence, characterizing the stolen bases as selfish given the game’s lopsided score and the fact that the Red Sox defense had stopped holding the runner on the bag.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Aaron Boone Defend the Baserunning Decision
Asked about the broadcast comments following a game against the Angels in Anaheim, Chisholm indicated he learned of the remarks the following morning and remained indifferent to the broadcaster’s opinion.
“I didn’t even know who that was until this morning. And I’m still not going to remember who he is after today.”
Jazz Chisholm Jr., New York Yankees infielder
Chisholm defended his actions by pointing to past behavior by Boston, noting that rival teams had piled on runs against the Yankees in previous matchups without drawing protests from New York. Yankees manager Aaron Boone confirmed that the decision to run originated from the dugout. Boone explained that because the Red Sox chose not to hold the runner at first base, he gave Chisholm the green light to take what the defense yielded.
“I’m an old-school baseball guy. I’ve been around doing this forever. I respect some of the unwritten rules. I really do. I think they’ve evolved and changed some. At the end of the day, I’ve got to do what’s right for my team and try not to get so caught up in what the other team’s doing. I felt like we did the right thing.”
Aaron Boone, New York Yankees manager
Will Flemming Issues Apology Following Backlash
By Monday, Flemming took to social media to address the backlash after receiving what he described as nonstop calls and threats. The broadcaster admitted that his commentary crossed established professional boundaries.
“My comments during yesterday’s broadcast crossed a line. 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.”
Will Flemming, WEEI radio play-by-play announcer
Boone accepted the apology on Monday, noting that he had spoken directly with the broadcaster and considered the matter resolved. Chisholm, however, stated that he received no direct apology and felt no need to pursue one.
Standings Impact and Escalating Rivalry Tensions
The blowout victory allowed the Yankees to claim a 3-1 series win and take a 7-6 edge in the season series against their historic rivals. With the final regular-season meeting concluded, the Yankees improved their record to 78-59, establishing a four-game cushion over the 74-63 Red Sox for second place in the American League East.
Frustrations for Boston had already mounted earlier in the game during the fifth inning, when a disputed replay review went against center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela. A replay challenge that allowed the call to stand denied a potential double play and opened the door for a five-run frame that fueled New York’s offensive surge. As both clubs hold firmly to the top wild-card positions in the American League, current standings place the two franchises on a collision course for a potential postseason rematch mirroring last year’s wild-card series.
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