Boston Red Sox radio play-by-play announcer Will Flemming issued a public apology on Monday for comments made during Sunday’s 16-1 loss to the New York Yankees. Flemming’s remarks, which included calling Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. a “bush league” player and suggesting that Red Sox relief pitcher Jovani Morán should “drill” batter Austin Wells, drew significant backlash and prompted a response from the Yankees organization.
Controversy during the eighth inning at Fenway Park
The controversy unfolded during the eighth inning of Sunday’s game at Fenway Park. With the Yankees holding a 7-1 lead, Chisholm drew a leadoff walk and proceeded to steal both second and third base. Flemming, who was joined on the broadcast by color commentator and former big league third baseman Will Middlebrooks, expressed frustration at the baserunning. Middlebrooks noted that when a game is out of reach and the defense is not holding a runner on the bag, it is generally considered bad form to attempt to steal. Flemming escalated the commentary by questioning whether it would be satisfying to see Morán hit Wells with a pitch right there, and labeling Chisholm a “bush league” player.
The tension on the field had been building throughout the game, fueled in part by a controversial no-catch ruling in the fifth inning. Flemming had described the replay decision—which ruled that Red Sox center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela did not complete a diving catch, turning a potential double play into a two-on, no-out jam—as “ridiculous.” The Yankees went on to score five runs in that fifth inning. When Chisholm later trotted home on a two-run home run by Wells, which extended the Yankees’ lead to 9-1, Flemming continued his critique, stating that Morán should fight Chisholm
and adding his opinion that Chisholm played the game the wrong way.
Will Flemming apology on X
Following the broadcast, Flemming took to social media to address the situation. Flemming stated on X that because he had been receiving nonstop calls and threats, he felt it was important to return to the platform to acknowledge that his comments during yesterday’s broadcast had crossed a line. He explained that he is an emotional person and a fan at heart, and that those feelings bled into the broadcast. He added that he meant no disrespect to the Yankees players or organization, admitted he could and should have used different words, and apologized for letting the emotion of the moment get the best of him because these rivalry games get him fired up.
Aaron Boone response in Anaheim
Yankees manager Aaron Boone addressed the incident on Monday before the team’s game against the Angels in Anaheim. Boone confirmed that he had spoken with Flemming and accepted his apology. Boone stated that he had talked to Will that day and that Will did apologize. He noted that he appreciated that, explaining that he knows him a little bit and knows his brother really well, and that he has had nothing but good interactions with him and knows he loves the game and understands that he crossed the line. Boone concluded that, for him, the matter is now in the past and he certainly accepts that apology and does not hold any ill will.
Boone also clarified that the decision to have Chisholm steal was tactical rather than an attempt to show up the opponent. Boone stated that he wanted to ensure it was understood that the decision came from him. He explained that he was not planning on continuing to run with that lead if they had played it straight, and noted that he was quite animated and vocal with their dugout to make it clear that if they were not going to play it straight, he was not just going to sit back.
Chisholm, who went 2-for-3 with three runs, two walks, and two stolen bases in the contest, said he was unaware of the broadcast comments until Monday morning. When asked if he had received or desired an apology from Flemming, Chisholm was dismissive. He stated that, to be honest, he does not need an apology. He added that he did not even know who that person was until that morning, and that he still will not remember who he is after that day, concluding that the situation is what it is.
The Yankees’ 16-1 victory clinched the weekend series and secured the playoff tiebreaker against the Red Sox. The Yankees currently sit four games ahead of the Red Sox in the American League East standings. Both teams remain in playoff position, with Boston maintaining a five-game lead over the Cleveland Guardians for the second wild-card spot. The two rivals are not scheduled to face each other again this season unless they meet in the postseason.