When Padres star Manny Machado went on an explosive tirade against Red Sox after Chris Sale intentionally threw at his body

In May 2017, Manny Machado went on an explosive tirade against the Boston Red Sox organization after pitcher Chris Sale intentionally threw at his body in the first inning. Back then, Machado was playing with the Baltimore Orioles.

The pitch appeared to have been revenge for an attack on Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts by Orioles pitcher Dylan Bundy. Interestingly, the Bundy-Betts incident was a response to Red Sox reliever Matt Barnes throwing at Machado's head. The Machado-Barnes incident was payback for Machado's forceful slide that hurt Dustin Pedroia, the second baseman for the Red Sox.

"It’s coward stuff. I’ve lost my respect for that organization, for that coaching staff, for everyone over there,’’ said Machado.

"They’re still thinking of the slide that I did when I had no intention of hurting anybody,’’ Machado added.

"After Tuesday night's game, Manny Machado went off on the Red Sox organization." - Sports Center

Machado then mentioned how pitchers throw 100 mph while trying to hit people, yet only get punished for a short period of time. However, if he decided to use the same amount of force to smash the ball with his bat, he risked a one-year suspension.

Manny Machado dodged questions about Chris Sale's suspension

Houston Astros v San Diego Padres: SAN DIEGO, CA - SEPTEMBER 4: Manny Machado #13 of the San Diego Padres hits a two-run home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros at Petco Park on September 4, 2021, in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)

Post the Boston Red Sox’s 5-2 victory, Machado was asked whether Chris Sale deserved an MLB ban for throwing the ball behind him.

“I don’t know, that’s not my call. I play baseball. That’s all I can control. They got to do something about it. If you’re going to hit somebody, go ahead and hit them. It’s (expletive) bull …,’’ said Machado.

"Manny has every right to flip out on the Red Sox." - Joe Giglio

Life truly comes full circle. More than a year later, the Red Sox became world champions when Chris Sale struck out Manny Machado in a dramatic ending.

"THE BOSTON RED SOX ARE WORLD CHAMPIONS!!!" - FOX Sports