One of the oldest rivalries in all of sports, the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees. For a while the hatred had cooled off with many of the veterans having been traded or retired. However, leave it to Alex “Mr. Controversy” Rodriguez to find a way to reignite the animosity. Rodriguez found himself caught up in a major PED scandal when his name was linked to Tony Bosch’s Biogenesis clinic. The slugger missed the first half of the season and it looked like he could be suspended until next season.
Rodriguez came back and fought back against the cheating allegations. While he waited for his appeal, he was allowed to play. Both players and fans were very vocal either supporting Rodriguez or slamming MLB for allowing him to play. Leave it to Red Sox pitcher Ryan Dempster to show just where he stood on the matter. Dempster pitched the last game of a three game series in Boston against the Yankees on Sunday Night Baseball. A nationally televised game, an opportunity to do what some people were thinking.
When Rodriguez came up to bat amidst some of the loudest booing ever, Dempster threw one pitch inside on him that caused Rodriguez to fall backwards. Many Red Sox fans stood up and applauded their pitcher, but then Dempster threw a pitch aimed right at Rodriguez’s elbow. The home plate umpire immediately warned both benches. That did not stop Yankees manager Joe Girardi from running out to have a “friendly chat” with the umpire. Girardi was quickly thrown out of the game.
Of course, the battle was not over that easily. During his next at-bat, Rodriguez smacked one out of the park and gave Dempster a stare down. He ran around the bases screaming and clapping all the way much to Boston fans dismay. Most people might hate Rodriguez for all his troubles, but he does have talent and can burn you like that. The Yankees made a comeback to win the game, but the Red Sox went on to win the World Series. Rodriguez is still battling Bud Selig on his 211 game suspension which he calls a “witch hunt” to bring him down. As for Dempster, he was given a five game suspension, but is now enjoying his offseason with his lovely new piece of jewelry.
