Boston Red Sox radio broadcaster Will Flemming apologized on social media Monday for on-air comments made during a 16-1 blowout loss to the New York Yankees, admitting that his frustration with New York base-running crossed a line during the rivalry broadcast.
Will Flemming Apologizes on X After On-Air Backlash
The controversy unfolded during the eighth inning of Sunday’s game at Yankee Stadium. With New York holding a 7-1 lead, Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. drew a leadoff walk and promptly stole both second and third base. The aggressive base-running sparked immediate frustration on the WEEI radio broadcast.
As Chisholm took third, color commentator and former major league third baseman Will Middlebrooks noted that attempting to steal in such a lopsided situation when the defensive team is not holding the runner on is generally considered poor form. That observation prompted Flemming to air his grievances directly, suggesting that Red Sox relief pitcher Jovani Morán retaliate against the next batter, catcher Austin Wells.
“Wouldn’t you sort of like to see Moran drill Wells right here?”
Will Flemming, WEEI play-by-play announcer
Flemming followed the remark by labeling Chisholm a bush-league player
and asserting that he played the game the wrong way. Moments later, Wells hit a two-run home run to extend New York’s lead to 9-1. As Chisholm trotted home, Flemming added that Morán should fight the infielder, calling out Chisholm for staring toward the Boston dugout as he crossed the plate.
Facing immediate and heavy backlash on social media, including what he described as nonstop calls and threats, Flemming took to X on Monday afternoon to address the remarks.
“Since I have been receiving nonstop calls and threats, I felt like it was important to hop back on here and say: 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, Red Sox radio broadcaster
Aaron Boone Explains the Decision Behind the Stolen Bases
The strategic debate over the eighth-inning stolen bases centered on unwritten baseball rules regarding run differentials. Yankees manager Aaron Boone explained on Monday that he initially instructed Chisholm not to run with a six-run cushion in the eighth. However, Boone changed his mind when he noticed Red Sox first fielder Andruw Monasterio playing off the bag and failing to hold the runner.
According to Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay, Boone wanted to secure additional insurance runs so he could avoid using reliever David Bednar in the later frames. Boone addressed Flemming’s apology ahead of the Yankees’ game against the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim on Monday night, confirming he had spoken with the broadcaster earlier in the day.
“I talked to Will today and he did [apologize]. So I appreciate that. I know him a little bit. I know his brother really well, and I’ve had nothing but good interactions with him and know he loves the game and understands, too, that he crossed the line. So again, for me, now that’s water under the bridge, and I certainly accept that apology and don’t really have any ill will towards that.”
Aaron Boone, New York Yankees manager
Boone also emphasized that the aggressive base-running came directly from his dugout bench rather than initiative from the player alone. I want to make sure it was important to know that this came from me,
Boone stated, adding that he would not have run if Boston had played straight up and held the runner.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Yankees Figures React to the Broadcast
While Boone accepted the apology, Chisholm indicated he was unaware of the broadcast comments until Monday morning and expressed indifference toward receiving an apology himself. Chisholm finished the game going 2-for-3 with three runs scored, two walks, and two stolen bases, bringing his season total to 40.
“To be honest with you, I don’t [need an apology]. I didn’t even know who that was until this morning, and I’m still not going to remember who he is after today. So it is what it is.”
Jazz Chisholm Jr., New York Yankees second baseman
The remarks drew sharp public criticism from several prominent figures across sports outside of the active roster. Baseball Hall of Famer CC Sabathia and Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler posted critical responses on Instagram, while New York Knicks guard Josh Hart took to social media to voice his disapproval of the broadcast commentary.
Wild Card Race and Standings Implications
The weekend series finale saw the game spiral completely out of control after the eighth-inning incident, with the Yankees pushing across nine runs in that frame alone to finalize a 16-1 rout. The victory allowed New York to secure three out of four games in the series and capture the crucial head-to-head tiebreaker against Boston.
The two historic rivals sit comfortably in American League playoff position as the regular season enters its final month.
