Bold opening: A World Series win doesn’t erase the heat of a tough clubhouse. And this is exactly the kind of drama that lingers long after the final out.
Former Red Sox infielder Brock Holt has shared a troubling anecdote from the 2018 season, suggesting that a teammate made a disturbing joke about bringing a gun to the field and killing the entire team. Holt spoke about the incident during a recent appearance on the Section 10 Podcast, tying it to broader conversations about locker room chemistry and safety.
During the discussion, Holt recalled an event in Tampa where the team was in a pre-batting-practice stretch. He says a player looked around at the group, allegedly declared, “I’m going to bring a gun to the field tomorrow and kill all of you,” and then, addressing Holt directly, added, “And you’re gonna be first.” Holt said the remark was likely made in jest, but the severity and fear it generated were very real for those present.
Holt noted that, in his view, the club acted quickly to address the situation. He recounted that the strength coach felt compelled to inform then-team president Dave Dombrowski, and Holt suggested expeditious removal of the individual to prevent any potential harm. Former Red Sox assistant hitting coach Andy Barkett appeared to corroborate Holt’s account on social media, posting “True Story…” in reply to a clip from the podcast.
Importantly, Holt emphasizes that the off-field tension did not derail performance on the field. Boston went on to post a 108-win regular season and swept the Yankees, Astros, and Dodgers to capture the franchise’s ninth World Series title. Holt himself delivered a solid 2018 campaign, posting a .277/.362/.411 line with seven home runs and 46 RBIs over 109 games. Earlier in his career, he made history by becoming the first player in MLB to hit for the cycle in the playoffs, a moment he achieved in the ALDS Game 3 against the Yankees.
Holt spent 10 MLB seasons with the Pirates, Red Sox, Brewers, Nationals, and Rangers before retiring in 2022.
What this story highlights is a broader question: how should teams handle alarming but potentially joking remarks in the clubhouse, and at what point does humor cross into behavior that justifiably prompts removal? Do you think the organization acted appropriately in addressing the situation, or should there have been different steps or timing? Share your thoughts in the comments.
