BRONX, N.Y. — After sparing the AL East standings the two previous years, the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles were clearly headed in different directions in 1998. The rivalry reached its boiling point on this date in 1998 and Armando Benitez was public enemy number one in New York.
Trailing 5-3 in the eighth inning, the Bronx Bombers stormed back. A three-run blast to right by Bernie Williams, off Benitez, made it 7-5 Yankees. The ensuing batter, Tino Martinez, was plunked square in the back. Martinez was incensed. Benitez was tossed. All hell broke loose.
Both benches and bullpens cleared for a full out brawl.