Red Sox Announcer Under Fire for Suggesting Retaliation Against Yankees
During Boston's 16-1 loss to New York, WEEI's Will Flemming criticized Jazz Chisholm Jr. for stealing bases with a big lead and suggested a pitcher should hit a Yankees batter. Flemming called Chisholm 'bush league' and 'selfish,' drawing backlash from fans and players. The Red Sox are now four games behind the Yankees in the AL Wild Card race.
The incident occurred in the eighth inning after Chisholm drew a leadoff walk from reliever Jovani Moran, then swiped second and third without a throw. Flemming's on-air partner, Will Middlebrooks, joined the criticism, calling the baserunning "selfish" and accusing Chisholm of padding statistics. The tension escalated when Austin Wells homered off Moran, and Chisholm's slow home-plate trot drew further ire from the broadcast booth.
The loss dropped Boston to 74-63, four games behind New York in the AL Wild Card race, and sealed the season series for the Yankees. Flemming later softened his stance, acknowledging Chisholm is "awesome" and "so talented," while New York Knicks forward Josh Hart publicly rebuked the broadcaster's remarks.
This episode highlights the fine line broadcasters walk between passionate analysis and inciting hostility. Flemming's suggestion that a pitcher intentionally hit a batter could influence how fans perceive acceptable conduct in a heated rivalry, potentially normalizing retaliation as a response to aggressive baserunning. It may also intensify scrutiny on announcers' accountability, as players and public figures like Josh Hart push back against commentary that crosses into personal attacks.