May 28, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox former pitcher Pedro Martinez walks onto the field as part of the 10 year celebration of the 2004 Boston Red Sox before the game against the Atlanta Braves at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Game three of the 2003 ACLS (October 11, 2003).
Karim Garcia in the fourth inning gets plunked by Martinez and that starts a verbal exchange with the Yankee bench. Martinez, who had already given up three runs, points to his head.
Don Zimmer, a former Red Sox manager, had a metal plate in his head as the result of a beaning in the minors. The Gerbil nearly died from that and had also had a few other hit by pitches that resulted in serious injury. Zimmer interpreted Pedro’s gesture as just that – beanball.
Popeye charged the mound in a hilarious attempt to confront Pedro who deftly stepped aside and pushed the 72-year-old Zimmer to the ground.
Neither Zimmer nor Pedro ever reconciled this incident.