Jazz Chisholm Jr. of the New York Yankees voices concerns about racist criticism he faces in Major League Baseball, linking it to the league's history of racial disparities.
Long the sport where almost any kind of celebration would result in an up-and-in fastball, baseball appears to have adapted to 'letting the kids play,' at least more often compared to the past. Jazz Chisholm Jr. is among the league’s young stars who aren’t afraid to be flashy, a demeanor that clashes with many of baseball’s old-time unwritten rules .
The New York Yankees infielder celebrates with a basketball-inspired eurostep every time he rounds the bases after a home run, and it’s not uncommon to see his hat slightly tilted. But that hasn't stopped Chisholm, who isn't shy about adding chains and non-uniform colors to his attire, from receiving criticism. And he seems to imply that this criticism stems from his skin color. “I don't want to say this, but baseball is a White sport. I feel like White people criticize everything that a Black man does. Black men are outspoken. They say what is on their minds,” he told The Athletic. “The unwritten rules of baseball are White. And I always broke the unwritten rules of baseball.”When Chisholm made his MLB debut with the Miami Marlins in 2020, he wasted no time showcasing his flair with custom-designed cleats. But longtime MLB veteran Miguel Rojas cut up one pair with scissors and ruined another by pouring milk on them. Perhaps it was rookie hazing, or maybe Rojas was sending a message. It's likely a combination of both, but it's no secret Chisholm and Rojas don't get along. It's also no secret that Chisholm was happy to be traded from Miami to the Bronx last year. “Nobody would ever cut up my cleats or throw my things away if I were White,” Chisholm asserted. “I'll tell you right now, if this was a White boy’s stuff, you weren't gonna cut that s--- up because if a White boy goes and complains, now everybody’s f---ed. I go and complain, and it's not that big of a deal. It’s, 'Let's try and find a solution for this.' But if a White boy goes and complains, nah, f--- that.” Last year, only 6% of players on opening day rosters were Black, the lowest figure since 1991. The league’s percentage of Black players hasn’t been in double digits since 2008, and the figure ranged from 17 to 19% from 1973 to 1988.
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