Red Sox radio announcer Will Flemming has apologized for calling New York Yankees player Jazz Chisholm Jr. "bush league" after Chisholm stole second and third base in the eighth inning of a game on Sunday, August 30, 2026. The Yankees held a six-run lead at the time of the steals.
Flemming's initial comments on the WEEI broadcast suggested that the pitcher should retaliate against Chisholm and throw at the batter, Austin Wells. He also characterized Chisholm's actions as playing the game the "wrong way."
However, in a subsequent statement, Flemming retracted his criticism. The controversy stemmed from Chisholm's aggressive base running in the eighth inning. While some commentators have criticized Chisholm's style of play, suggesting he can be oblivious to the game's situation, the decision to steal bases with a substantial lead was defended by some analysts.
The Yankees defeated the Red Sox in the game. This incident adds another layer to the historic rivalry between the two teams, though the focus has shifted to the sportsmanship aspect of the game rather than team animosity.