Morning Sports Update
“That is a vintage Bob Feller model glove from the 1930s.”
Aroldis Chapman pitching for the Red Sox in July. AP Photo/Charles Krupa
August 7, 2026 | 11:28 AM
2 minutes to read
An unusual gift for Aroldis Chapman: Amid what was already an unbelievable Red Sox win on Thursday, Boston closer Aroldis Chapman walked away with an interesting souvenir.
As the Red Sox and White Sox battle back and forth, Chapman took in the game from Boston’s bullpen in the outfield. At one point, he stopped to talk to a group of fans, one of whom had a gift for him. It was eventually noticed by the NESN broadcast, as Chapman looked delighted with his present.
“That’s a big-time Red Sox fan, Andy Zides,” explained NESN sideline reporter Jahmai Webster, noting that Zides had reached out to him prior to the game.
“That is a vintage Bob Feller model glove from the 1930s that he had to give to Aroldis that he brought today.”
Granted, the gift wasn’t exactly good luck for Chapman, who surrendered a two-run home run (the first earned runs he’s yielded in over a month) later in the game.
Still, Chapman’s teammates picked him up, tying the game yet again on the way to a 13th inning victory.
As for the gift, it’s an homage to one of baseball’s earliest flamethrowers. Though technology at the time of Feller’s career was limited, he was undoubtedly seen as one of the hardest throwers of his era. Chapman, of course, currently holds the official record for fastest pitch ever thrown (105.8 MPH, which he did as a member of the Reds in 2010).
Scores and schedules:
The Red Sox won an incredible game on Thursday, rallying five times to eventually defeat the White Sox 12-11 in the bottom of the 13th inning at Fenway Park. Tonight, the Red Sox begin a new three-game series against the Athletics at home at 7:10 p.m.
On Saturday, the Revolution face the Houston Dynamo at Gillette Stadium at 4:30 p.m.
And on Sunday, Legacy FC play the Portland Thorns at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket at 4 p.m.
More from Boston.com:
A game for the ages: Thursday’s Red Sox win is worth reliving with full highlights.
Vrabel’s Vinatieri stories: Patriots coach Mike Vrabel reflected on his former teammate, Adam Vinatieri, ahead of the latter being inducted into the Pro Football of Fame on Saturday.
On this day: In 1932, Medford native Mary Carew (later Mary Carew Armstrong) helped Team USA win a gold medal at the Los Angeles Olympics in the 400-meter relay.
Daily highlight: Certainly not a traditional highlight, but worth a watch nonetheless. Ronald Acuña Jr. got a little help from the Marlins’ outfield in hitting a home run on Thursday.
Hayden Bird
Hayden Bird is a sports staff writer for Boston.com, where he has worked since 2016. He covers all things sports in New England.
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