18 years ago today, the Orioles and Yankees had an epic brawl

Justin McGuire

18 years ago today, the Orioles and Yankees had an epic brawl image

The Orioles and Yankees have been division rivals since there has been an American League East, but only rarely has the rivalry been in the national spotlight.

One notable exception: May 19, 1998, 18 years ago today, when the teams fought it out in a massive, ugly bench-clearing brawl that lasted more than 10 minutes, spilled into the visitor's dugout and led to five suspensions.

Take a look at the mayhem here:

MORE: Sports brawls you won't forget Most infamous moment for each MLB team  

Orioles closer Armando Benitez was "the erratic centerpiece" of the mayhem, as the Baltimore Sun reported at the time. Protecting a one-run lead in the eighth, Benitez allowed a three-run homer to Yankees star Bernie Williams. On the next pitch, Benitez nailed Tino Martinez between the shoulder blades.

That's when the fun started as Yankee reliever Graeme Lloyd sprinted in from the home bullpen toward Benitez.

Here's the Sun again:

"Eventually the fight rolled toward the Orioles' dugout with designated hitter Darryl Strawberry taking a sucker punch at Benitez. The force of Strawberry's swing carried him into the dugout, with players from both teams following. Alan Mills led the way, and pounded Strawberry in the face. Strawberry emerged with a bloodied mouth and a sore left hand after being restrained by Orioles bench coach Eddie Murray, third baseman Cal Ripken and Yankees manager Joe Torre."

A few days later, Benitez was suspended for eight days. Strawberry and Lloyd were suspended for three games each while Yankee pitcher Jeff Nelson an Mills got two.

 

Justin McGuire