Baseball is usually known for its serene summer days, a hot dog and a beer or two, strategic plays, and the crack of the bat.
However, the sport has had its share of big dust ups, with bench-clearing brawls that have gone down in history.
The Biggest MLB Fights
Let’s throw off our gloves, rush the mound and check out some of the bloodies and biggest fights in MLB history.
1. The 1965 Incident: Juan Marichal vs. John Roseboro
One of the most infamous brawls in MLB history occurred on August 22, 1965, between the San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Dodgers. The tension between the two teams was already high, given their longstanding rivalry.
During this game, Giants pitcher Juan Marichal felt that Dodgers catcher John Roseboro was throwing back to the pitcher too closely to his head.
The situation got heated quickly when Marichal struck Roseboro on the head with his bat, leading to a violent melee on the field.
The brawl left a lasting mark on both players’ careers and remains one of the most shocking incidents in baseball history.
2. The 1976 Fight: Reds vs. Yankees
Another round of fisticuffs happened on October 11, 1976, during the American League Championship Series between the New York Yankees and the Kansas City Royals.
In the ninth inning, with the Yankees leading, Royals’ George Brett hit a game-tying home run.
However, Yankees’ third baseman Graig Nettles and Brett collided at third base, sparking a massive brawl that saw both benches clear.
3. Nolan Ryan vs. Robin Ventura: 1993
On August 4, 1993, a fight that has become legendary in MLB lore took place.
Texas Rangers’ pitcher Nolan Ryan, known for his fiery temper and fast pitches, hit Chicago White Sox batter Robin Ventura with a pitch.
Ventura charged the mound, but Ryan, despite being 20 years Ventura’s senior, managed to put Ventura in a headlock and delivered several punches before the brawl was broken up.
This altercation is often remembered for Ryan’s dominance and Ventura’s ballsy but unsuccessful charge.
4. The 2003 ALCS: Pedro Martinez vs. Don Zimmer
During the 2003 AL Championship Series between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees, tempers blew up in Game 3.
After a pitch by Pedro Martinez led to a heated exchange, 72-year-old Yankees bench coach Don Zimmer charged at Martinez.
Martinez sidestepped and pushed Zimmer to the ground, leading to a chaotic scene on the field.
The way Zimmer fell to the ground was quite comical, seemingly losing his balance before Ramirez even touches him.
5. The 2010 Reds vs. Cardinals Brawl
A more recent brawl occurred on August 10, 2010, between the Cincinnati Reds and the St. Louis Cardinals.
The altercation started when Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips exchanged words with Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina.
Tensions boiled over, leading to a bench-clearing brawl.
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