The Yankees-Red Sox rivalry has never needed much assistance generating controversy, but Boston radio broadcaster Will Flemming added another chapter Sunday after taking serious exception to Jazz Chisholm Jr. stealing two bases during New York’s 16-1 blowout at Yankee Stadium. The incident has reignited the ongoing debate regarding baseball’s unwritten rules and the ethics of aggressive play in lopsided games.
Flemming, the Red Sox radio play-by-play voice on WEEI, labeled Chisholm a “bush league player,” asserting that the Yankees star “plays the game the wrong way.” He even suggested that Boston pitcher Jovani Morán should retaliate by hitting Austin Wells while Chisholm was active on the basepaths.
The tension escalated in the bottom of the eighth inning. With New York leading 7-1, Chisholm drew a leadoff walk against Morán. As the Red Sox opted not to hold him at first, Chisholm successfully stole second and subsequently advanced to third without a throw.
“Chisholm’s doing it again,” Flemming remarked during the broadcast. “This is what he does.” Former Red Sox third baseman and WEEI analyst Will Middlebrooks supported the sentiment, arguing that Boston’s decision not to hold the runner was a concession of the game, making Chisholm’s aggressive baserunning appear “selfish” and statistically motivated.
Flemming, however, took his criticism further, suggesting that Morán should “drill Wells” and later stating, “Morán should fight Chisholm.” Despite these harsh words, Flemming acknowledged that Chisholm is an “awesome” and “so talented” player.
The incident highlights the persistent friction between traditional baseball etiquette and modern competitive standards. While some view running with a six-run lead as a breach of protocol, others argue that the responsibility lies with the defensive team to hold runners or record outs. The Yankees’ subsequent offensive explosion—scoring nine runs in the eighth inning alone—suggests that New York remained focused on maximizing their lead, which proved critical for their playoff positioning.
With this victory, the Yankees improved to 78-59, securing a four-game lead over the Red Sox for the American League’s top Wild Card spot. As the season progresses, the intensity of these matchups continues to rise, leaving the debate over unwritten rules as a secondary, yet highly contentious, element of the rivalry.
