Jose Ramirez and Tim Anderson face off once again, last year's disaster encounter fresh in mind as their next showdown looms
"DOWN GOES ANDERSON!" was the call made by Guardians' radio broadcaster Tom Hamilton as Cleveland star Jose Ramirez landed a flush right cross to then-Chicago White Sock Tim Anderson. It was an incident that created huge publicity for the MLB, albeit, of the wrong kind.
For the first time since the infamous brawl, the multiple-time All-Stars square off once again as Tim Anderson's Miami Marlins host Jose Ramirez's Cleveland Guardians for a three-game interleague series.
Before Fury versus Usyk in Riyadh and Haney versus Garcia in Brooklyn, it was Ramirez versus Anderson on Aug. 5, 2023 as the Cleveland Guardians hosted the Chicago White Sox in the second game of a three-game battle that permeated and left a lasting impression on baseball and combat sports fans worldwide.
The kerfuffle happened in the bottom of the sixth inning when Ramirez chased for second base on a line drive that was eventually called safe. However, the third baseman didn't like the way Anderson impeded his path. That set up a chain of events that would lead to a fist fight with Anderson falling to the ground after being accurately smacked by Ramirez square on his right jaw.
"Punches were just thrown between Tim Anderson and Jose Ramirez and then absolute madness broke out in Cleveland" - Jomboy Media
Benches cleared, and after the dust settled, Jose Ramirez, closer Emmanuel Clase, skipper Terry Francona and third base coach Mike Sarbaugh were ejected for Cleveland.
For the White Sox, Tim Andreson and manager Pedro Grifol were tossed. Anderson would be suspended for six games, while Ramirez was given a three-game shelving.
Jose Ramirez expresses regret after the brawl
Cleveland star Jose Ramirez has a reputation for being fiery on the baseball field. However, he seldomly, if ever, gets involved in scuffles, as he just chooses to focus on delivering for his team rather than getting into fights.
In a television show in the Dominican Republic titled "Show del Mediodía," Ramirez expressed his regret and disappointment about the things that transpired against the White Sox.
“Everyone who knows me, knows well I’m not somebody who’s out there looking for trouble. It’s been part of my personality and behavior to give 100% everyday at the field to help my team and trying to be an example for the younger players on my team.
"I want to reiterate apologies for my behavior and as always my goal is to help my team to win and reach the postseason." - Ramirez said as translated by Hector Gomez
In a post of his own, Tim Anderson also apologized to the Chicago White Sox organization and its fans for the incident.