How do you feel about the racism that black MLB players, like Adam Jones, have faced? What do you think MLB should do to combat racism?

2017-05-03T08:25:51-04:00

Response by MSG Brad Sand made May 3 at 2017 8:27 AM

2017-05-03T08:27:22-04:00

The racism he claims he faced. Not saying things were not said to him, but by who is not know and it is Boston but when a millionaire complains about how rough it is for him to play a game...I have little left in my bag of concern for him or her. I think IF his claims are true, then the advice given to Jackie Robinson in the face of true racism..."Hit the ball, make the catch, win the game."
Yes there are tough places to PLAY but this is no different than it was last week, last year or will be next week or next year. Adam Jones, IF it is true, hit the ball, make the catch, do your job.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2017 9:09 AM

2017-05-03T09:09:31-04:00

I am not sure what MLB as an organization can do except levy fines against a club, but the perpetrators do not feel any repercussions from this.

I think it is incumbent on fans of the game to shut this down and also on individual teams. Fans need to police their areas and teams need to issue and enforce bans, especially when fans are throwing things on the field and disrupting the game. (Also see the Hyun Soo Kim incident in Toronto and the Wayne Simmonds banana incident)

It is one thing to heckle someone based on their team, but to to bring race into it and throw things at players does nobody any good.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made May 3 at 2017 9:28 AM

2017-05-03T09:28:50-04:00

I don't know how MLB deals with such people in the stands. You can't pre-screen spectators for their willingness to say or do dumb shit. Whether they are spouting off because they really feel that way or are saying whatever douche-canoe statements that pop in their heads just to get under the skin of those on the field, there's little MLB can do proactively. When something happens, regardless of the offender's motivations, if they can be identified, and what was said or done verified, kick them out. Trespass 'em. Beyond this, all the league or any league can do, is set the expectations for fans regarding their behavior and react accordingly.

Response by SSgt Ray Stone made May 3 at 2017 9:43 AM

2017-05-03T09:43:59-04:00

http://www.complex.com/sports/2017/05/ugly-history-boston-being-most-racist-sports-city-america

An Ugly History of Boston Being the Most Racist Sports City in America

Is Boston the most racist sports city in America? An overwhelming amount of evidence would suggest it is.

Response by PO3 Donald Murphy made May 3 at 2017 9:45 AM

2017-05-03T09:45:14-04:00

Europe has an answer. When Europe has a problem with certain sports teams (either the team itself or the team's fans), then the league forces them to play a match or two in an empty stadium. So if Germany did something causing a crime against whoever/whatever, the next time Germany played, German fans would not be allowed in the stadium. But the other team's fans would, etc.

So if this team has fans that are routinely racist, and if racism *FROM FANS* is considered to be punishable, then the league could do what Europe does and ban that team's fans from attending games until they shape up. This of course will cost the team money. So while Adam "has a point" - this will also apply to his team as well.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2017 9:45 AM

2017-05-03T09:45:47-04:00

There isn't anything the MLB can do to directly combat racism short of spending millions on commercial ad spots that will yield little effect. That said, there are idiots everywhere and sometimes you just have to ignore the heckling and drive on. At the end of the day, MLB players are living the dream and they are multi-millionaires and 99.9% of the racist hecklers are not. Put things into perspective MLB boys! You get paid big bucks to hit and throw a ball while defenders of the nation get paid peanuts.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made May 3 at 2017 10:04 AM

2017-05-03T10:04:02-04:00

There has always been, is, and always be racism. It is as pervasive and persistent as life itself. However, it is no longer sanctified by the law nor is it acceptable in polite society. Sadly, those who would profit from racial unrest, politicians and others, were able to raise false flags of racism during the past eight years. President Obama and his supporters, for example, vilified his critics as racists to avoid dealing with his own foibles. Thus actual racists were allowed the freedom to emerge from cover while public attention was misdirected. Fortunately it appears that many in the black community are on to the game and beginning to turn away from the race-baiters

Response by MSG James Hughs made May 3 at 2017 10:16 AM

2017-05-03T10:16:16-04:00

RACISM is wrong.....whether it is white on black or black on white or any other form..... and to stop it .....it must be punished..... the problem is..... ejection from the stadium is not enough......BUT there is not much more....LEGALLY that can be done..... suggest a modified tactic..... not only eject the racist......but the two "supporters" on either side...... the ones who allowed him to act out.....supported his ignorance..... THEN maybe the fans would start policing themselves..... worth a shot

Response by PO2 Rev. Frederick C. Mullis, AFI, CFM made May 5 at 2017 8:46 AM

2017-05-05T08:46:07-04:00

Imagine That! BOSTON of all places being RACIST!!! The Upper Crust, The High Cotton, The Aristocracy of all cities is RACIST. NOT Atlanta, Not Jackson, Not New Orleans or Houston. I have to laugh at this because when I was a young boy there was a ball field near my house that was used by the Negro Church Leagues for their Baseball Games. Every Saturday and Sunday afternoon I would be there sitting on the banks watching the games. It got to where I knew the Players and Coaches. I loved those days, There was never a cry from anyone of, "You don't belong here white boy." I was always welcomed. THAT taught me a great life lesson. I carried it with me through School and into the Military. Now I will admit there are many in the south who have been taught to be RACIST, because no one is born that way, GOD does not make an inferior product.

One must go through years of instruction to build up the hatred that both white, black, yellow, red, green or whatever color one proclaims to be have developed. Imagine how our Republic could be if that same energy was placed into the "New Commandment" that our Lord gave to us. "Love one another as I have loved you" Can you visualize our cities, No slums, no homeless, no hunger. Our greatest strength would be our love for one another and no country on earth would dare try and oppose us, and every game in any athletic endeavor would be one for the books because of the excellent sportsmanship. As for you Adam Jones, Good thing you did not go into the Military... Someone might have called you a POG, and you would have spent half a season in a Safe Room somewhere.

Response by Wayne Soares made Aug 15 at 2020 2:48 PM

2020-08-15T14:48:01-04:00

Great share and question brother Aaron