Don Zimmer vs. Pedro Martinez, 2003

Don Zimmer, who as a senior citizen played a leading role in a
memorable brawl between the Yankees and the Red Sox, was just as fiery
as a player.

Fighting for his job after playing shortstop in 1958, Zimmer made
headlines by complaining about general manager Buzzie Bavasi and
whether he’d make as much money starting as coming off the bench. Not a
good idea.

"From now on, Zimmer’s just another ballplayer as far as I’m
concerned," Bavasi said. "Jim Gilliam played second base on three
pennant winners for us. Now, he’s more or less utility but he’s not
complaining."

Two days later, the story got better with the headline "I’d Be Cheap
for Braves–Zimmer."  According to the UPI story carried by The Times,
Zimmer said the Braves "could probably get me for a dozen baseball
bats." Zimmer figured he could start at second for the Braves. But
Bavasi had the last word.

"Zimmer has assured me that he will stop popping off," Bavasi said
after they talked. Bavasi probably thought Zimmer was really quiet in
1960, since he spent the season as a member of the Chicago Cubs. Bavasi
sent him there in a deal that included relief pitcher Ron Perranoski.

–Keith Thursby