Red Sox History: Oil Can Boyd Storms Out of Fenway
Every year, there are players who are snubbed when it comes to the All Star Game. On this day in 1986, Red Sox starting pitcher Oil Can Boyd did not handle that news well.
Every once in a while, there is a day that is just bizarre for any number of reasons. The Boston Red Sox had one of those days on this day in 1986. The fireworks began when the mercurial Oil Can Boyd learned that he was left off of the American League All Star roster.
Boyd, who had posted an 11-6 record with a 3.71 ERA and a 1.220 WHiP, felt he was worthy of making the All Star Game that season. As one of the top starters on a Red Sox team that held an eight game lead in the AL East at the time, one could understand his logic, even if his performance did not exactly back up those claims. When he was left off the squad, Boyd flew into a rage, and stormed out of Fenway Park prior to the Red Sox game with the Angels.
He then got into a scuffle with the local police afterwards, and checked into a local hospital for psychological testing. Meanwhile, Boston suspended Boyd indefinitely for his actions. He would not appear in another game until August 5th.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
The strangeness on that day did not end there. Following Boyd’s tantrum, the Red Sox still had to play their game against the Angels. Tied 4-4 with two outs in the top of the 12th, Mike Brown imploded, allowing a triple to Wally Joyner, who then scored on a wild pitch. Two walks, a single, and a double later, the Angels had taken a 7-4 lead.
Naturally, that did not stop the Red Sox. They put together their own two out rally against Mike Cook. A two run homer by Jim Rice cut the lead to one, but Cook appeared to escape when Don Baylor popped up to third. However, Rick Burleson dropped the ball, giving Boston new life. A walk put runners on first and second. Rich Gedman followed with a base hit to tie the game, with the runners moving to second and third on the throw home.
That ended Cook’s night, as the Angels brought in Todd Fischer in an attempt to extend the game. That plan failed as well, as Fischer balked, forcing Dwight Evans across the plate with the winning run. The Red Sox bizarre day had come to an end, with quite the improbable victory.
Next: Jack Conlon to become free agent
It was, indeed, an interesting day for the Boston Red Sox. At the very least, it ended on a positive note.