The on-air comments ignited a fresh flare-up in the historic Major League Baseball rivalry between the two franchises.
Will Flemming’s On-Air Comments and Apology
During Sunday’s broadcast of the matchup between the Yankees and Boston Red Sox, WEEI radio voice Will Flemming took issue with Jazz Chisholm Jr. stealing second and third bases in the eighth inning while New York held a 7-1 lead, according to game transcripts reported by outlets such as ESPN. Flemming suggested on air that Red Sox relief pitcher Jovani Moran should retaliate by throwing a pitch at the next Yankees hitter, Austin Wells. After public backlash and player criticism, Flemming issued an apology on social media, acknowledging that he had allowed the intensity of the century-old rivalry to cloud his judgment.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Aaron Judge Respond
Jazz Chisholm Jr. pushed back against the broadcaster’s remarks following the game, defending aggressive base running as a standard part of the modern game. Chisholm called the suggestion unprofessional. Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge also condemned the commentary, telling reporters that broadcasters should avoid inciting actions that could lead to player injuries. Judge noted that encouraging pitchers to throw at opponents does not represent what baseball stands for.
Rivalry Context and Playoff Implications
The incident highlights the volatile nature of Yankees-Red Sox series, even late in a season where the two American League East foes have finished their regular-season head-to-side schedule. Major League Baseball teams frequently navigate unwritten rules regarding late-game base stealing and run differentials, but broadcaster involvement in calling for physical retaliation remains rare and heavily scrutinized. While the clubs will not meet again in the regular season, both teams remain in the thick of the postseason picture, leaving open the possibility of a playoff rematch.
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