The Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees saw their legendary rivalry reignited recently when a brawl erupted during a game. While the competition between the two teams has died down in the last few years, the fight between the benches in the April 11 game suggests that baseball’s greatest rivalry is back in full strength.
The brawl arose after Boston reliever Joe Kelly threw a 98 miles-per-hour fastball and hit Tyler Austin in the ribs. Kelly’s fastball was not his first attempt to hit Austin. He had pitched a ball that just barely missed Austin a few throws prior.
“I threw a pitch inside and hit him. It was one of those that got away. The umpire said, ‘Take your base,’ and other things went down,’’ said Kelly.
Austin, unhappy with the pitches, threw down his bat and charged the mound. As Austin ran towards him, Kelly appeared to goad him on. Chaos broke out as the two benches joined their respective players in the skirmish.
The animosity between the teams sparked earlier in the game when Austin spiked Brock Holt in the calf, sliding into second base during the third inning. Red Sox players believed the move was intentional.
“He overslid, it and the spikes were up. Different rules now from back in the day. Holt took exception,” stated Red Sox manager Alex Cora.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone did not think Austin meant to spike Holt. “To construe that as a dirty play or that you’d be offended by that, I don’t buy that at all,” said Boone.
Austin, Kelly, Yankees Reliever Tommy Kahnle, and Third Base Coach Phil Nevin were ejected after the brawl. Kahnle received the ejection for yelling at an umpire who tried to restrain him. New York ended up winning the game with a score of 10-7.
Holt described the game as being similar to others between the two teams. “Typical Red Sox-Yankee game. A four-hour game, a couple of brawls, we’re right on track,’’ said Holt.
The MLB has issued fines and suspensions for players involved in the brawl. Austin and Kelly received five and six game suspensions respectively. Additionally, the two players were fined an undisclosed amount. Both Austin and Kelly are appealing their suspensions. Other players involved in skirmish also received fines from the MLB.
The Red Sox’ and Yankees’ historic rivalry ebbed in recent years because the teams were never competitive at the same time. Currently, the Red Sox are first while the Yankees are third in the Eastern division of the American League.