HOUSTON– The Houston Astros and Oakland Athletics collectively strolled off the field following a minute of silence, draping a Black Lives Matter T-shirt across home plate as they selected not to play Friday night.
The decision began Jackie Robinson Day throughout the majors, and in the wake of 29-year-old Jacob Blake, a Black guy, being shot by police in Wisconsin over the weekend.
All players, supervisors and coaches at Minute Maid Park were wearing No. 42, the jersey number Robinson wore when he broke the big league color barrier in 1947.
As shortstop Marcus Semien and Astros catcher Martin Maldonado each placed a No. 42 jersey from their respective groups in the batters boxes. Houston beginners took their positions, with other gamers on both sides lining up in front of their dugouts. After a minute of silence, the groups walked back to their clubhouses.
2 Related” Im proud of this generation due to the fact that in the 60s, it was mostly African Americans and a few white Americans that stood, but in this day and age, Im seeing youths of all nationalities and all faiths that are standing up together,” said Astros manager Dusty Baker, who is Black. “The youths are a voice to be heard in the country, and Im extremely, really proud of the young people in this country.”
There have actually been 11 big league games postponed this week as clubs joined teams in the NBA, WNBA and MLS in canceling games while opposing social injustice. Big league Baseball let groups choose whether to play or not.
The Astros have not played considering that Tuesday due to Hurricane Laura, making Friday their very first opportunity to join the motion.
The Astros and Athletics will play a doubleheader Saturday. The groups will acknowledge Jackie Robinson Day in the very first game.
As manager Bob Melvin stated his team was informed of the Astros choice not to play early in the day.
” I woke up this early morning, and Ive always understood the story of Jackie Robinson, but I had a different view today,” Melvin said, referring to how much he is learning about racial injustice. I was looking forward to putting this jersey on. I have the utmost regard for No. 42 and his play.”
Nevertheless, Melvin stated he was “totally encouraging” of the Astros desire not to play.
” You definitely understand why,” he stated.
Melvin and Baker met the umpires in your home plate a number of minutes prior to the arranged first pitch.
Oakland starter Chris Bassitt appeared to be going through his pregame routine, increase to pitching in the visitors bullpen, but suddenly stopped warming up about 15 minutes prior to the set up first pitch.
Houston starter Lance McCullers Jr. strolled to the best field bullpen with an orange glove and ball, however only rested on a bench and never heated up before heading back to the dugout quickly after the nationwide anthem, which was played before the gamers took the field.
” If we can change someones mind, have a conversation that alters a single persons thought process that conserves a life, this was worth it to us,” Astros outfielder Michael Brantley said. “As a group, weve done a fantastic task talking about it, however these scenarios that keep coming up need to stop. I believe we all feel the very same method.”
On Thursday, the New York Mets and Miami Marlins took a similar action before their game at Citi Field.
“We seemed like this message was larger than missing out on another video game to reveal support for our brothers, not just on our group however across the league as well to let them know we have their backs,” Astros outfielder Josh Reddick said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
As shortstop Marcus Semien and Astros catcher Martin Maldonado each positioned a No. 42 jersey from their particular teams in the batters boxes. Houston beginners took their positions, with other players on both sides lining up in front of their dugouts. After a minute of silence, the groups strolled back to their clubhouses.
I have the utmost respect for No. 42 and his play.”
” If we can change one individuals mind, have a conversation that changes one individuals thought process that saves a life, this was worth it to us,” Astros outfielder Michael Brantley stated.
