David Wells recalls tense 1997 confrontation with Yankees’ boss
- July 11, 2024
- 5:50 pm
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Follow UsIn a candid revelation on “Pardon My Take,” former Yankees pitcher David Wells recounted a dramatic confrontation with team owner George Steinbrenner in 1997.
The incident
Following a tough outing against the Montreal Expos on August 30, 1997, Wells found himself face-to-face with an irate Steinbrenner in the Yankees clubhouse. Wells had allowed six runs (four earned) over eight innings in a 7-2 loss, with Pedro Martinez pitching for the Expos.
According to Wells, Steinbrenner was waiting at his locker after the game and bluntly stated, “You’re not the pitcher I signed,” sparking a heated exchange.
Wells, frustrated by a controversial home run call that he believed should have been ruled fan interference, snapped back, “Excuse me? Well, if you don’t like me, why don’t you trade me?”
Steinbrenner’s sarcastic retort, “I tried; nobody wants you,” further fueled Wells’ anger.
“This is my dream to play for you, but if you’re going to be an asshole, then fuck you; I don’t want any part of this,” Wells responded heatedly. “In fact, I’m going to ice my shoulder, my back, and my knee. When I come back, if you’re still here, I’m going to kick your ass.”
The late George Steinbrenner, then 67, stood his ground, replying, “I’m not afraid of you.”
Wells, after cooling off, felt terrible about the incident, admitting he had acted irrationally in the heat of the moment. Two days later, at the next game, Wells and Steinbrenner resolved their issues, albeit in another colorful encounter.
Wells picked up a ringing phone in the clubhouse and answered, “Yankee Stadium, second base, can I help you?” When he recognized Steinbrenner’s voice, Wells pretended ignorance, which further irritated the owner. Steinbrenner shouted, “This is George Steinbrenner, damn it!”
After letting the owner stew, Wells sincerely apologized over the phone and again in person. The matter ended with Steinbrenner embracing Wells and kissing him on the cheek, saying, “You’re my guy.”
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