Which is the craziest MLB brawl of all time? Looking at the most heated on-field moment in league history
Over the years, the MLB has witnessed some of the craziest and wildest brawls in its history, with the latest one coming between the San Diego Padres and the Washington Nationals involving Jurickson Profar.
There have been varied reasons for the brawl to take over the game, like being hit by pitch, breaking unwritten rules or throwing expletives at each other. Some of the craziest brawls in league history came in the 80s and 90s, though, when brawls resulted in a boxing contest on the field. Let's take a look at one such crazy brawl:
MLB's craziest brawl: Nolan Ryan vs. Robin Ventura, Aug. 4, 1993
Among the best pitchers in the 90s, Nolan Ryan achieved various accolades. But his wild encounter with Robin Ventura, who was almost 20 years younger than him, has left a less pleasing memory in his Hall of Fame career.
The incident took place on Aug. 4, 1993, in a game between the Texas Rangers and the Chicago White Sox. During the third inning, Ryan drilled a high, rising fastball into the body of Ventura, who took a hot blow to his back.
Ventura initially walked to the sideline to remove his gear and head to first base but suddenly changed his thoughts and charged towards Ryan who was at the mound.
The veteran pitcher seemed ready for a fist fight as he got control of the charging Ventura and headlocked him while throwing punches on his face. Seeing it unravel on the field, both benches and the bullpen got into the field to stop the altercation.
Ventura may have landed some blows as well, it but it seemed nothing compared to what Ryan threw at him.
The players eventually broke the fight, and finally, when all things settled, the umpire tossed Robin Ventura out of the MLB game. Interestingly, Nolan Ryan stayed in the game and picked off the runner who replaced Ventura at first base.
The Ryan led-Rangers went on to earn a 5-2 victory at home.
Other crazy MLB encounters are as follows:
- George Bell vs. Mo Vaughn, Sept. 6, 1993
- Pedro Martinez vs. Mike Williams, Sept. 24, 1996
- Armando Benitez vs. Tino Martinez, May 19, 1998