New York Yankees radio play-by-play man John Sterling criticized the team's baserunning during Tuesday's Game 2 of the American League Championship Series against Cleveland, hilariously stating that they "run the bases like drunks".
It happened in the bottom of the sixth with two outs and Anthony Rizzo on second with the Yankees trying to extend a 4-2 lead. Guardians pitcher Pedro Avila threw a 76 mph sweeper low and outside that bounced in front of the plate. Catcher Austin Hedges kept it in front of him, but it bounced away, forcing him to get out of his stance to grab it. Hedges quickly took control of it and saw Rizzo had run to third base, making himself vulnerable to be picked off. The Guardians easily caught Rizzo in a rundown, as Hedges threw to second baseman Andres Gimenez, who threw to third back to Jose Ramirez, then back to second and back to third where Ramirez finally tagged Rizzo for the out.
It was the second baserunning blunder of the inning for the Yankees, as Jazz Chisholm Jr. was picked off second base earlier in the inning. This prompted the comment from Sterling:
"Boy, if that wasn't the Yankees...That's what they do: run the bases like drunks."
That's what they do- run the bases like drunks! pic.twitter.com/YTaL72aZSK
— John Sterling Calls (@JSterlingCalls) October 16, 2024
Sterling had originally retired in April about 2 weeks into the season and the Yankees held a retirement ceremony for him. However, in September he made the decision to come out of retirement to be on the radio for one more Yankees playoff run, leading to this memorable call.
The Yankees managed to overcome their baserunning mistakes by scoring two runs in the seventh inning and went on to beat the Guardians 6-3 to take a 2-0 series lead.
Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports) and like Holdout Sports on Facebook.
