Following in the footsteps of other teams across multiple sports, the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants decided to boycott Wednesday’s game at Oracle Park. It’s not immediately clear if the teams will play Thursday, much less if that will now be a doubleheader.
The movement began with the Milwaukee Bucks boycotting their matchup against the Orlando Magic in Game 5 of their playoff series. The Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets followed suit, and they were joined by the L.A. Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers.
The Bucks earned praise from David Price, who has been vocal in the movement against social injustice and other key matters.
In terms of MLB teams, the Milwaukee Brewers were first to act, and the Cincinnati Reds agreed to sit out and thus avoid a forfeit situation. Shortly after, the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres moved to not play their game.
No game tonight, I’m told.
— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) August 27, 2020
That the Dodgers and Giants would also take action to postpone their game is hardly a surprise, as both organizations have been at the forefront of advocating for change. Clayton Kershaw in particular has been vocal, taking blame for not doing enough to support Black teammates and minorities as a whole.
“I think it’s just accepting the responsibility of things that you can change as a white guy,” he said when Summer Camp began. “I think a lot of the things that have come to light the past few weeks and months, has been enlightening to me. Being naive to some of the things that have gone on with our Black community, it was important for me to take accountability for the things that I can do and take action for it.
“I’ve made some statements, said things in the media, and now it’s time to work on the action part of that. That’s what myself, the Dodgers and my teammates are working on. I’m thankful we can be here in L.A. to try and do that.”
Dodgers come together
Last month, Cody Bellinger, Walker Buehler, Kiké Hernandez, Kershaw, Gavin Lux, Joc Pederson, AJ Pollock, Ross Stripling, Justin Turner and Alex Wood came together for a video that called for an end to racial inequality.
The group promised to use their platforms by aiding organizations that seek social justice and also to match funds raised from sales of the “In This Together” special edition t-shirt that was available for a limited time.
Proceeds benefitted the California Funders for Boys & Men of Color Southern California: Our Kids, Our Future Fund (CFBMOC).
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