Is Fenway Park losing its appeal due to racism?
Baltimore Orioles outfielder Adam Jones had a scuffle with some Boston Red Sox fans. Adam Jones said that they were throwing racial taunts and objects at him on Monday, May 1st, 2017. The Boston Red Sox came out and publicly apologized on USA Today and other outlets for what had happened. They said: “The Red Sox want to publicly apologize to Adam Jones and the entire Orioles organization for what occurred at Fenway Park on Monday night. No player should have an object thrown at him on the playing field, nor be subjected to any kind of racism at Fenway Park. The Red Sox have zero tolerance for such inexcusable behavior, and our entire organization and our fans are sickened by the conduct of an ignorant few.” Rob Manfred, the Major League Baseball Commissioner, also released a statement saying: “The racist words and actions directed at Adam Jones at Fenway Park last night are completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated at any of our ballparks. My office has been in contact with the Red Sox, and the club made it clear that they will not tolerate this inexcusable behavior. Our 30 Clubs will continue to work with fans and security to provide a family-friendly environment. Any individual who behaves in such offensive fashion will be immediately removed from the ballpark and subject to further action.”
New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia said he experienced similar things when he was traveling with the Cleveland Indians early in his career. “Even shagging in the outfield before the game sometimes you get it. I was just in Cleveland, so nobody cared.”
Despite the few ignorant fans at Fenway Park, the fans who showed up to the game the following day gave Adam Jones a standing ovation. The Fenway Park security also kicked 2 people out of the stadium indefinitely. I think they have somewhat redeemed themselves from the situation. I don’t the appeal of the famous Fenway Park is tarnished by this incident. People are going to be that way no matter where they are, but I’m glad that the MLB and the Red Sox organization are doing something about this issue.
