Ex-Red Sox Fan Favorite Throws (More) Shade At Yankees: ‘It’s So Sad’

It’s been over three months since the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees in the 2024 World Series, but the shouting match hasn’t ended.

The reason? Former Boston Red Sox pitcher and ex-Fenway Park fan favorite Joe Kelly can’t resist the temptation of doubling down at every given opportunity. Kelly has spent the past three-plus months reminding the Yankees of their failed pursuit of the franchise’s 28th championship, and more specifically the ugly disaster that was Game 5.

New York skipper Aaron Boone hurled a subliminal Kelly’s way, claiming none of the post-World Series trash talkers were actual contributors.

Not taking the high road played right into Kelly’s hands as it gave the two-time World Series champion a reason to fire back — again. That’s exactly what Kelly did, only this time it was significantly more brutal and added salt to New York’s wound. Kelly indirectly highlighted the defensive miscue from Game 5 that helped the Dodgers overcome a 5-0 deficit to comeback and shock Yankee Stadium.

“He’s just so hurt,” Kelly said on Audacy’s “Baseball Isn’t Boring” podcast. “It’s so sad. When your fearless leader has fear, it’s a little tough to see. Feelings are hurt.”

Kelly added: “I wonder how ground balls are going. PFPs, ground balls, the little things.”

The sarcastic groundball jab was a direct reference to when Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole didn’t cover first base in the bottom of the fifth inning, which allowed Dodgers star Mookie Betts to reach the bag safely. From there, Los Angeles overcame a five-run deficit to defeat New York 7-6 and leave 46,000 in The Bronx shocked.

Kelly revealed that covering first base is something that his nine-year son’s Litte League team has emphasized ever since watching the Yankees collapse.

“I got Knox’s nine-year-old travel team, first move after a ground ball is hit to the right side, all of them are breaking,” Kelly said. “Every single one of them. Every single one of them. Kids that pitch once a week know to get over. They’re nine. Not one of them forgets to get over. I promise you. I know who does forget to get over, and it’s not the nine-year-old ZT prospects.”

New York is currently undergoing its spring training camp while Kelly, now 36 years old, remains available to sign.

Kelly made 35 appearances with the Dodgers last season, recording a 4.78 ERA across 32 innings pitched. He elected free agency 24 hours after Los Angeles won the World Series and with a 14th big-league season currently unknown, Kelly made one thing clear: the Yankees aren’t an option.

“Probably not,” Kelly said when asked if he’d consider going to New York. “Probably not.”