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MLB: The Definitive List of Big League Brawls

By Manny Gómez

(Original Caption) Los Angeles Dodgers' catcher John Roseboro suffered a cut on top of his head in 3rd inning during a bat swinging fight with San Francisco Giant pitcher Juan Marichal. It was believed that Marichal got angry when Roseboro fired the ball to close to his head while returning it to pitcher Sandy Koufax. On deck batter Giant Tito Fuentes (partially out of picture- right) pulls Roseboro away while Marichal wields bat at Koufax while umpire Shag Crawford and Giant coach Charlie Fox try to break it up.
(Original Caption) Los Angeles Dodgers' catcher John Roseboro suffered a cut on top of his head in 3rd inning during a bat swinging fight with San Francisco Giant pitcher Juan Marichal. It was believed that Marichal got angry when Roseboro fired the ball to close to his head while returning it to pitcher Sandy Koufax. On deck batter Giant Tito Fuentes (partially out of picture- right) pulls Roseboro away while Marichal wields bat at Koufax while umpire Shag Crawford and Giant coach Charlie Fox try to break it up. /
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#10 – Chris Volstad v. Nyjar Morgan

On August 31, 2010, Washington Nationals outfielder Nyjer Morgan collided into Florida Marlins catcher, Brett Hayes, in the tenth inning. While Hayes hung onto the ball, the collision resulted in season ending shoulder surgery for the then 27-year old catcher.

The next night, with the Marlins leading the Nationals 15-5 at home, Chris Volstad decided to take things into his own hands. He throws a 91 MPH fastball behind Morgan, which in turn results in one of the most epic big league brawls in MLB history. One that features a WWE style clothesline from non other than Gaby Sanchez.

As a result, Nyjer Morgan ate some dirt and received an 8-game suspension for charging the mound, the longest of nine suspensions served because of the brawl.

#9 – Alex Rodriguez v. Jason Varitek

The magnitude of this scuffle is so big because of the parties involved. We’re talking Baseball’s biggest star against the blue collar captain of the Boston Red Sox. More importantly, we’re talking about the greatest rivalry in sports.

As a result, this is one of the most talked about big league brawls in the history of the game.

What’s most ironic about this story is how that offseason, Alex Rodriguez had a deal in place to join the Red Sox. The MLBPA, however, quickly put the kibosh on that.

Then, In almost storybook fashion, that same offseason, 2003 Postseason hero Aaron Boone injures himself in a pick up game of basketball. This ultimately leads the Yankees to swoop in and take A-Rod for themselves.

Months later, the guy brought to New York to replace Aaron Boone – who walked off against Boston the previous October – gets into a big league brawl against someone who just missed out on being his teammate.

You can’t make this stuff up.

#8 – Rougned Odor v. Jose Bautista

It all started with the greatest bat flip of all time. In game 5 of the ALDS between the Texas Rangers and the Toronto Blue Jays, Jose Bautista brought mayhem into Rogers Center when he smacked a three-run shot in the 7th inning of a do or die game.

A set of events unfolded after that bat flip, but what led to this exchange happened like this. Former #1 overall pick, Matt Bush, who had just been called up after spending roughly three years in prison, drills Bautista. Peeved, Bautista sought the first opportunity to retaliate.

After Smoak grounded to 3B, Bautista slid hard into Rougned Odor. What resulted? An epic right hook that left Bautista seeing birds flying around his head.

Maybe this shouldn’t count in the definitive list of big league brawls, especially considering that after the punch heard ’round the world, nothing really happened. That right hook sure was nasty though, so i’ll break the rules on this one.

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