David Wells recalls challenging George Steinbrenner to fight in heated Yankees clubhouse spat

David Wells did the unthinkable in 1997, challenging owner George Steinbrenner to a fight in the Yankees clubhouse after a poor start against the Montreal Expos, Wells explained he was in the midst of a poor stretch and had allowed six runs (four earned) in eight innings of a 7-2 lo s to the Expos on Aug. 30, 1997 with Pedro Martinez on the mound opposite him. Steinbrenner according to Wells was waiting for him at his locker after the game and told the lefty, You aint the pitcher I signed before the encounter slowly escalated. Wells was upset because he felt a right field home run was improperly ruled by the umpire, saying that a fan leaned over the fence, snatching the ball away from outfielder Paul ONeill. Excuse me? Wells responded. Well, if you dont like me, why dont you go Willie Mcgee Jersey fking trade me. Explore More The former baseball pitcher, David Wells. @Pardon My Take/YouTube Steinbrenner cheekily replied, I tried; nobody wants you, a comment that annoyed Wells. This is my dream to play for you, but not if youre going to be a dickhead, then fk off; I dont want to be no part of it, Wells said. As a matter of fact, Im going to go get ice on my shoulder, my back, and my knee. When I come back, if youre here, Im going to beat the st out of you. The late Steinbrenner, who was 67 years old at the time, stood his ground and fired back, Im not afraid of you. George Steinbrenner gets into it with David Wells. @Chris O'meara/AP David Wells had a touch season in 1997. Getty Images When Wells returned to the clubhouse, Steinbrenner was greeted with, You still here, mother fker?! then quickly ripped off every ice pack and darted toward Steinbrenner before chasing the owner out. After the incident, Wells cooled down and felt terrible about it. He claimed that he was in the heat of the moment, which caused him to act like a menace. Two days later, at their next game, the two sorted things out. But even that was its own story. Wells picked up a random ringing phone in the clubhouse and greeted the person on the other line with, Yankee Stadium, second base, can I help you? Upon the caller speaking, Wells connected the dots it was Steinbrenner. David Wells tells his story on Pardon My Take @Pardon My Take/YouTube David Wells claims he challenged George Steinbrenner to a fight in 1997. Getty Images Wells pretended that he didnt know who was on the other line, which stirred up Steinbrenner once again. He screamed into the phone, This is George Steinbrenner, God damnit! After getting under his skin, Wells sincerely apologized over the phone and again in person. It ended with Steinbrenner hugging Wells and ki sing him on the cheek, telling him: Youre my guy. Steven Matz Jersey