Sox: Racism lives at Fenway

After former major-leaguer Torii Hunter detailed racial abuse he heard from Red Sox fans at Fenway Park, including “four or five” kids chanting the n-word at him, the Red Sox responded Wednesday on Twitter.

They said he was right. Hunter, who played for the Twins, Angels and Tigers in a 19year major-league career that ended in 2015, discussed the abuse on ESPN’s “Golic and Wingo” and again Tuesday on Boston’s WEEI. He said the abuse was so bad that he insisted on a no-trade clause to Boston.

The Red Sox sent out their statement late Wednesday afternoon on Twitter:

“Torii Hunter’s experience is real. If you doubt him because you’ve never heard it yourself, take it from us, it happens. Last year there were 7 reported incidents at

Fenway Park where fans used racial slurs. Those are just the ones we know about. And it’s not only players. It happens to the dedicated Black employees who work for us on game days. Their uniforms may be different, but their voices and experiences are just as important. We are grateful to everyone who has spoken up and remain committed to using our platform to amplify the many voices who are calling out injustice. There are well-established consequences for fans who use racial slurs and hate speech in our venue, and we know we have more work to do. This small group of fans does not represent who we are, but are rather a reflection of larger systemic issues that as an organization we need to address. True change starts from within, and as we identify how we can do better, please know we are listening. We hear you, and we believe you.”