Red Sox to Remove Racism Reminder Outside Ballpark

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Copyright 2017 Dayton Newspapers, Inc.

Dayton Daily News (Ohio)

 

John Henry wants all to feel welcome at Fenway Park.

Boston Red Sox owner John Henry said he is ready to rename Yawkey Way, the street alongside Fenway Park that he called a haunting reminder of the baseball team's history of racial intolerance.

Henry told the Boston Herald he welcomes renaming the street named for his predecessor, Tom Yawkey, that is the mailing address for the ballpark and team offices. Red Sox president Sam Kennedy told The Associated Press it was part of the team's effort to make everyone feel welcome at the Fenway Park. Henry did not return a message from the AP seeking comment.

Under Yawkey, the Red Sox were the last franchise in the major leagues to field a black player. That was in 1959, more than a decade after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier with the Dodgers.

But even this season, the team has struggled to make the ballpark feel welcoming to minorities. In May, Kennedy apologized to Orioles outfielder Adam Jones after he said a fan called him a racist slur. The Red Sox also distanced themselves from their flagship radio broadcaster, where hosts doubted Jones' version of the events.

The team must petition the city of Boston to change the name.

Owners meetings: Major League Baseball is having conversations with the players' association over possible rule changes designed to speed the pace of play, and Commissioner Rob Manfred said he hopes to reach an agreement instead of implementing any measures unilaterally.

Manfred also said the Bruce Sherman-led ownership group trying to purchase the Miami Marlins has presented the league with a financial structure that would work for finalizing the deal, and he expressed confidence that a major league franchise can be successful in the market. Speaking at the conclusion of the owners meetings in Chicago, he also expressed surprise with veteran umpire Joe West's reaction to his suspension for his comments about Texas Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre.

Rockies: Colorado was served a potentially serious blow in the seventh inning of the loss to Atlanta when All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado left the game with an apparent injury to his left hand.

Arenado struggled to field a sharp grounder from Lane Adams and left the game in pain. The ball appeared to hit the same spot where he was plunked by Miami pitcher Vance Worley on Sunday.

Cardinals: Trevor Rosenthal was placed on the 10-day disabled list with right elbow irritation. The reliever was taken out of Wednesday's loss to the Red Sox after giving up a walk and home run.

Twins: Reliever Glen Perkins allowed two runs in one-third of an inning in the loss to the Indians after being reinstated from the DL. He missed more than 16 months with shoulder trouble.

Perkins last pitched for Minnesota on April 10, 2016, eventually having surgery to repair a torn labrum on June 23, 2016. The former closer and three-time All-Star has spent his entire career with the Twins since being drafted in the first round in 2004.

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August 18, 2017
 
 
 

 

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