CC: WE EXPECT RACISM IN BOSTON
In CC Sabathia’s eight years as a Yankee he has never heard what Baltimore’s Adam Jones listened to at Fenway Park when the center fielder had the Nword hurled at him Monday night.
However, when Sabathia was an Indian, he heard the racial slur when he threw in the Fenway bullpen.
“Not since I have been here because we have our security guards here,’’ an emotional Sabathia said before Tuesday night’s Blue Jays-Yankees game at Yankee Stadium. “When I was with Cleveland it was bad, really bad. You get called all kind of names, called the Nword when you go to Boston.’’
Sabathia was “disgusted’’ about Jones’ experience, but he said among black big leaguers Boston’s reputation isn’t good.
“We know. There are 62 of us and we all know that when you go to Boston expect it,’’ Sabathia said. “I have never been called the N-word anywhere else.’’
Sabathia didn’t hide his frustration that in 2017 Jones had to hear what he did and was glad Jones spoke out.
“It pisses you off and it’s sad that you still have to deal with that in this day and age,’’ said Sabathia, who was formulating a plan to explain the situation to his sons when they ask. “It is what it is and we all know. You have to get ready for it, I guess.’’
Reggie Jackson said he heard racial insults as a player but not in Boston, even as a Yankee. However, Jackson understands the problems minority players have experienced there.
“I never got the name calling, not in Boston, but you always knew that Boston was a difficult place for minorities,’’ the Hall of Fame outfielder said outside the Yankees’ club-
house. “Bill Russell had problems. Someone [broke into his home and] defecated in his dining room and that is one of the reasons he didn’t go back. Russell had trouble there. Jim Rice had trouble there. [The Red Sox] were the last to integrate.’’
Like Sabathia, Jackson was emotional talking about Jones.
“This thing with Adam Jones makes you well up and get teary-eyed,’’ Jackson said. “Really, you feel that way.’’
Joe Girardi said baseball needs to act.
“There are levels fans go to that are completely inappropriate and I think baseball should be aggressive and get them out of the park,’’ he said.