Morning Sports Update
“That was incredible.”
Payton Tolle during his start against the Diamondbacks. AP Photo/CJ Gunther
August 20, 2026 | 11:30 AM
2 minutes to read
Payton Tolle’s tribute: Red Sox pitcher Payton Tolle has won the hearts of fans since first being called up in 2025. Along with immense talent and potential, the 23-year-old has also showcased his endearing personality.
The latest example came in the wake of Wednesday’s series finale against the Diamondbacks. Though the game ended in a 7-6 defeat, Tolle opened his press conference with an appreciation.
“I want to start off by saying how much the Jimmy Fund was awesome for my first one, that was incredible. So thank you to everybody for raising that much money. That was amazing.”
Payton Tolle started his postgame sound with some thanks for supporting the Jimmy Fund these last two days:
“I want to start off by saying how much the Jimmy Fund was awesome for my first one, that was incredible. So thank you to everybody for raising that much money that was… pic.twitter.com/EqZuWCE3dH
— NESN (@NESN) August 20, 2026
The annual Jimmy Fund fundraiser surpassed its previous record, raising more than $7 million over a multi-day span. Tolle, who pitched on Wednesday, got to experience the event for the first time.
Tolle’s mother, Jina, passed away in 2024 after an eight-year battle with colon cancer. He has spoken about her inestimable impact on his life, and the tribute to her that he wears on his glove.
Tolle threw five innings on Wednesday, allowing three runs while striking out six. He critiqued his start by acknowledging a few “mis-executed pitches” and falling behind in some counts.
Still, his overall performance in 2026 remains impressive (8-6 with a 3.08 ERA, averaging 10.1 strikeouts per nine innings). His final message on Wednesday was that the most important thing for the Red Sox to do amid a loss is remain unified.
“Whenever it’s going rough, long days or whatever it is, being able to be together, that’s what’s most important.”
Trivia: Payton Tolle began his collegiate baseball career pitching for the Wichita State Shockers. Which former Red Sox catcher also attended the school?
(Answer at the bottom.)
Hint: He was once given a police escort from Logan Airport to Fenway Park so that he could make first pitch for a game against the Yankees after being traded back to the Red Sox in 2006.
Scores and schedules:
The Red Sox lost to the Diamondbacks 7-6 on Wednesday. Boston begins a three-game series against the Giants at Fenway Park starting on Friday 7:10 p.m.
Also from Wednesday, the Revolution defeated D.C. United 3-0 thanks to an Alhassan Yusuf hat-trick. New England hosts New York City FC on Sunday at 4:30 p.m.
On Saturday, Legacy FC face the North Carolina Courage on the road at 7:30 p.m.
And the Patriots play the Eagles at Gillette Stadium on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in the team’s second preseason game.
More from Boston.com:
A little more Tolle: The Boston starter recently joined a tour of the Freedom Trail, which he was mic’d up for.
Daily highlight: Connor Wong made a tremendous off-balance play to get the out at first on Wednesday.
Trivia answer: Doug Mirabelli
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.
Get the latest Boston sports news
Receive updates on your favorite Boston teams, straight from our newsroom to your inbox.
