Broadcaster Will Flemming’s On-Air Critique Sparks Controversy During Yankees-Red Sox Blowout

In a late-season matchup that ended with the New York Yankees defeating the Boston Red Sox by a 16–1 margin, WEEI radio play-by-play announcer Will Flemming repeatedly criticized Red Sox second-baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. during the eighth inning. The commentary escalated when Flemming suggested that Red Sox pitcher Jovani Morán should throw at Yankees catcher Austin Wells as retaliation, and later implied Morán should “drill” Wells. Color analyst Will Middlebrooks, a former major-league player, also called Chisholm’s steals “selfish” and questioned the decision to allow the baserunning. Requests for comment were sent to the Red Sox organization and Audacy, the owner of WEEI, but no response was received at the time of publication.

New York Times

Earlier in the fifth inning, Red Sox center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela believed he had made a diving catch on a line drive off Chisholm, but the umpiring crew ruled the ball was not caught. A replay challenge upheld the call, prompting Flemming to label the review “ridiculous” and to question whether the MLB Replay Command Center was functioning properly. He returned to the topic repeatedly throughout the broadcast, linking his frustration to the subsequent criticism of Chisholm.

New York Times

The Yankees improved to a 78-59 record, moving four games ahead of Boston, which fell to 74-63, for second place in the American League East. The victory gave New York a 7-6 edge in the season series and marked the final regular-season meeting between the two clubs for the year.

New York Times

The lopsided result widened the gap between the Yankees and Red Sox in the AL East standings, intensifying the competition for the division’s top spot and the wild-card positions as the season draws to a close. The on-air remarks have added a layer of media scrutiny to an already heated rivalry, though no formal response from either team has been issued.

New York Times