Twins/Tigers Players Vote to Postpone Tonight's Game

[Seth Stohs]

On Thursday afternoon, news came that the Twins players had voted to not play tonight's game in Detroit against the Tigers. Soon after, it was also noted that the Tigers players did the same thing. It is a postponement. The game will be made up at a later date."As long as our players are empowered and able to speak their minds, then we're doing something right." Rocco Baldelli, Minnesota Twins Manager

 

Rocco Baldelli said that his team has had several meaningful discussions over the past 24 hours about what is going on in the country. There have been individual conversations, discussions in small groups and later in the day, the group assembled.

 

One player stood up first, and said, "I don't think we should play today."

 

Baldelli said that player was Taylor Rogers. He was followed by Nelson Cruz and Trevor May in voicing their similar thoughts to the team.

 

The manager said, "It was a very powerful gathering. The players were in solidarity in the decision. We ultimately formally raised our hands and unanimously voted not to play out of respect for all. I'm very proud of the way it was handled by our group, respectfully and thoroughly."

 

Baldelli said that he had several discussions with Tigers manager (and former Twins manager) Ron Gardenhire before this and that the Tigers also held emotion-filled meetings and voted the same way.

 

 

2020 has been a difficult year on so many fronts. Baldelli continues to lead by encouraging and facilitates open communications,

 

"This goes back to when we were all home and the only thing we could do was meet on Zoom calls and we would talk. We talked about a lot of things that we've never gotten into, a lot of topics that we've literally never broached in baseball. In my 20 years of baseball, I've never seen any of these types of discussions live and in person. We've had more discussions about inequality and how people are feeling and how it's affecting them at the field, away from the field, how it affects loved ones, and so many aspects of this that have long been something that people have kept to themselves, and that's not healthy."

 

Baldelli noted that the focus so much has been about what is happening today, but he also understands that the important discussion also has to be What is Next?

 

"How this affects tomorrow exactly, I don't know if anyone can answer that question. I think it's something that a lot off people are thinking about. I know that I don't have the answer for that. I just know that what we decided to do today was most definitely the right thing to do for our group, and we feel very good leaving the ballpark today about the way it was handled and the message it sends to everyone inside our clubhouse and outside our clubhouse."

 

He continued, "I think that the impact of what has been going on it sports is going to be felt throughout... If it wasn't meaningful. If it wasn't something that we thought was sending not only the right message but something that can push us toward getting more of the result of what people are looking for, which is the acknowledgement of all the different inequalities that continue to exist in our country and not ignoring these things."

 

The Twins have a lot of players from all around the world, some of whom don't know the country's history or follow current events. Baldelli said that's OK, but they do have a very key role on the team.

 

"What they are responsible for is to always been there for their teammates, and to always be willing to listen to their teammates. That is something we have been very very able to do from the beginning of this that has allowed us to get to this point to allow us to have the discussions we had today."

 

He continued by saying something that should resonate with all of us, "And if you have an open ear and an open heart for the people around you, you're going to be in good shape, and that's what our guys have done."

 

Baldelli added, "I'm actually really happy that I'm in baseball right now, to be experiencing everything that's going on. Baseball is a wonderful game. We all love showing up at the ballpark every day. We all love being able to focus on our jobs. We all love being able to step out there on the field and be out there on the grass watching guys do great things on the field. But I'm also really happy to be spending this moment with our group, going through everything that we're going through, experiencing it all, and feeling like we are doing something very positive, not just for baseball but for the country and for all people.

 

On Friday, the Twins will be back on the field for two games.

 

Press release from the Twins::

“The Minnesota Twins remain committed to using our platforms to push for racial justice and equality. Therefore, we fully respect our players for their decision to not play tonight’s game versus the Detroit Tigers. The recent shooting of Jacob Blake, a mere three months after the killing of George Floyd, shows again that real change is necessary and far overdue in our country, and it is our responsibility to continue playing a role in efforts to affect meaningful reform. We stand in solidarity with the Black community and, as full partners with others in the Twin Cities and beyond, we are committed to creating the change we want to see in the world – where everyone is protected, safe and welcome. There is no place for racism, inequality or injustice in our society.”

 

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[LVTwinsfan]

That’s fine, all other sports are doing the same. I did notice one of the other moderators locked a thread because he saw evidence of thinly veiled racism. Just because people disagree with whether or not the games should be played really has nothing to do with racism. The term is really thrown around freely these days. So much that it’s losing its meaning. And the message from the moderator on this site was this: If you disagree with what the players decide to do you must be a racist. Well, I disagree

[Squirrel]

 

That’s fine, all other sports are doing the same. I did notice one of the other moderators locked the thread because he saw evidence of thinly veiled racism. Just because people disagree with whether or not the games should be played really has nothing to do with racism. The term is really thrown around freely these days. So much that it’s losing its meaning. And the message from the moderator on this site was this: If you disagree with what the players decide to do you must be a racist. Well, I disagree

 

That was an owner who locked the thread in the other forum. And yes, I'd say there was some veiled racism going on ... many posts were removed. But we have this thread now, so there was no need for two.

 

AND THIS IS ANOTHER MOD NOTE: 

 

KEEP IT CIVIL!!!!

 

Agree or disagree with the action, but do so without belittling others' opinions, whether it be players, managers, FO, other posters, owners, etc. And if you can't express an opinion about human decency, justice and fairness without pointing political fingers ... DON'T. POST.

 

I'm tired of hearing about the cancel culture, leftist agenda, righty whitie stuff ... DON'T. GO. THERE. I'm tired of every issue becoming a debate drawn along political lines. There is no reason to make issues of human existence into 'we vs them' rants.

[LVTwinsfan]

That was an owner who locked the thread in the other forum. And yes, I'd say there was some veiled racism going on ... many posts were removed. But we have this thread now, so there was no need for two.

 

AND THIS IS ANOTHER MOD NOTE:

 

KEEP IT CIVIL!!!!

 

Agree or disagree with the action, but do so without belittling others' opinions, whether it be players, managers, FO, other posters, owners, etc. And if you can't express an opinion about human decency, justice and fairness without pointing political fingers ... DON'T. POST.

 

I'm tired of hearing about the cancel culture, leftist agenda, righty whitie stuff ... DON'T. GO. THERE. I'm tired of every issue becoming a debate drawn along political lines. There is no reason to make issues of human existence into 'we vs them' rants.

I just got there, I did overlook the possibility of deleted posts. My mistake, I never see politics here, maybe thinly veiled politics, but I normally post on game threads. It’s a good site, deleting points is the owners prerogative, but it leads to confusion when you see the post condemning them but not the condemned posts

[T_J]

This is my favorite website in all of internet. The content for my favorite escape is unmatched and I really do appreciate it. Past the content it is a well moderated community which I also appreciate by keeping the discussions focused on the intent. We're all independent thinkers with different opinions on our favorite baseball teams choice for playing and not playing. Some people will commend the players for taking a stand for what they believe while others will say that they should stick to the game. I don't know if either is right or wrong. I do believe that choosing not to play should have consequences though. I think that they should take a loss for not playing and should also not be paid for the day. Actions should have consequences. They need to have consequences. Accountability is absolutely necessary for a functioning society.

[twinbythebay]

 

This is my favorite website in all of internet. The content for my favorite escape is unmatched and I really do appreciate it. Past the content it is a well moderated community which I also appreciate by keeping the discussions focused on the intent. We're all independent thinkers with different opinions on our favorite baseball teams choice for playing and not playing. Some people will commend the players for taking a stand for what they believe while others will say that they should stick to the game. I don't know if either is right or wrong. I do believe that choosing not to play should have consequences though. I think that they should take a loss for not playing and should also not be paid for the day. Actions should have consequences. They need to have consequences. Accountability is absolutely necessary for a functioning society.

Both teams decided not to play... Do you want to give both of them an L?

[T_J]

Yeah, both take a loss.

[LVTwinsfan]

This is my favorite website in all of internet. The content for my favorite escape is unmatched and I really do appreciate it. Past the content it is a well moderated community which I also appreciate by keeping the discussions focused on the intent. We're all independent thinkers with different opinions on our favorite baseball teams choice for playing and not playing. Some people will commend the players for taking a stand for what they believe while others will say that they should stick to the game. I don't know if either is right or wrong. I do believe that choosing not to play should have consequences though. I think that they should take a loss for not playing and should also not be paid for the day. Actions should have consequences. They need to have consequences. Accountability is absolutely necessary for a functioning society.

They chose not to play a game in a season where there are no fans. I don’t necessarily disagree, it’s their league their career, their choice. I won’t miss them, they are just not that important

[Aggies7]

They chose not to play a game in a season where there are no fans. I don’t necessarily disagree, it’s their league their career, their choice. I won’t miss them, they are just not that important

You mention the fans not being at the games and when I saw the various teams choosing not to play, I wonder how this would have been received by management, in a normal season where fans were allowed into games. I’m going to go ahead and assume it wouldn’t have been met as well as it seems to have been by the ownership. The players don’t lose pay, they don’t lose a game. Not real sure what the sacrifice is here

[twinbythebay]

 

Yeah, both take a loss.

That doesn't make much sense to me, and I think it would make MLB look heartless and completely out of touch with its players and fans.

[VivaBomboRivera!]

Well, I'll say it if nobody else will - I am proud of our Twins.

[GNess]

The players are making a statement by not playing to draw attention to what they and many of their fellow citizens (myself included) see as injustice and on-going generations-old , systemic inequality. To affect change, as an early step awareness has to be raised and light needs to be directed at the problem. Bravo Minnesota Twins for their collective action.

[T_J]

That doesn't make much sense to me, and I think it would make MLB look heartless and completely out of touch with its players and fans.

It would show actual consequences. Actual accountability. It would show that they're not just virtue singling and are willing to own their choice. Instead what do they get? They get a free day off. There isn't any consequences here at all. At least none that I can see. Do you see any consequences?

[LVTwinsfan]

That doesn't make much sense to me, and I think it would make MLB look heartless and completely out of touch with its players and fans.

Im sure there are fans who wanted to see a game tonight. I’m sure there are players who wanted to play. Most people are required to do there jobs and if there bosses don’t want to pay them for not showing up, it’s not necessarily a matter of heart. We all live with the choices we make. I doubt the players who decided not to play are concerned about pay or the win loss aspect, they did what they felt they had to do and should be willing to accept whatever comes down because of it.

[Brock Beauchamp]

It would show actual consequences. Actual accountability. It would show that they're not just virtue singling and are willing to own their choice. Instead what do they get? They get a free day off. There isn't any consequences here at all. At least none that I can see. Do you see any consequences?

Why should there be consequences? Seriously, why?

 

Both teams decided not to play and in the case of the Twins, it appears the players have the support of ownership. Dunno about the Tigers.

 

What benefit to anyone is a team loss because a group of athletes made a peaceful protest for a cause?

[Aggies7]

It would show actual consequences. Actual accountability. It would show that they're not just virtue singling and are willing to own their choice. Instead what do they get? They get a free day off. There isn't any consequences here at all. At least none that I can see. Do you see any consequences?

 

EXACTLY. There won’t be consequences. They’ll play the DH tomorrow and no big deal. The players will feel like they did something, the ownership will look good for not disciplining, and everyone wins. Now had you or I told our boss we weren’t coming in to work, and not using time off, what would the response be?

[Craig Arko]

 

Well, I'll say it if nobody else will - I am proud of our Twins.

Yes. And the other teams who made a free choice. And the NBA. And the WNBA. And the NHL. And all those who can stand and make their own choices, whatever they may be, without castigating the choices of others.

[LVTwinsfan]

Why should there be consequences? Seriously, why?

 

Both teams decided not to play and in the case of the Twins, it appears the players have the support of ownership. Dunno about the Tigers.

 

What benefit to anyone is a team loss because a group of athletes made a peaceful protest for a cause?

Everyone is allowed to make peaceful protests, but if I chose to miss work to protest I wouldn’t get paid, and I wouldn’t expect to be either.

[twinbythebay]

 

Im sure there are fans who wanted to see a game tonight. I’m sure there are players who wanted to play. Most people are required to do there jobs and if there bosses don’t want to pay them for not showing up, it’s not necessarily a matter of heart. We all live with the choices we make. I doubt the players who decided not to play are concerned about pay or the win loss aspect, they did what they felt they had to do and should be willing to accept whatever comes down because of it.

Fair enough. I just don't see how it would benefit MLB to punish its players for standing up for a cause they believe in. I think the way the league is handling it so far is commendable.

[OldTimeTwinkie]

Just think how many homeless people could have been helped with all the public money used to build Target Field. Now would be a good time to use it as a homeless shelter. We dont need it for baseball anymore.

[Aggies7]

Why should there be consequences? Seriously, why?

Both teams decided not to play and in the case of the Twins, it appears the players have the support of ownership. Dunno about the Tigers.

What benefit to anyone is a team loss because a group of athletes made a peaceful protest for a cause?

Because there would be consequences for most people if they decided not to show up for work. At the very least they probably wouldn’t get paid for the day. But we’re supposed to be in awe that a pro athlete did something that cost them nothing? Maybe if they went out in the community to help in some way, but really they’re just in their hotel rooms chilling out.

[T_J]

Why should there be consequences? Seriously, why?

 

Both teams decided not to play and in the case of the Twins, it appears the players have the support of ownership. Dunno about the Tigers.

 

What benefit to anyone is a team loss because a group of athletes making a peaceful protest for a cause?

Because, to me, they're out nothing. For actual changes to be made I need to see people willing to make sacrifices. Willingness to accept consequences for actions. The protesters in Portland are out there every night sacrificing their time, their money and energy. Agree or disagree with them but they're accepting their consequences. Tell me what the hometown nine are actually sacrificing here. To me, it looks like all they're doing if getting a paid day off and pats on the back for it.

[Brock Beauchamp]

Everyone is allowed to make peaceful protests, but if I chose to miss work to protest I wouldn’t get paid, and I wouldn’t expect to be either.

What if your boss supported your decision?

[LVTwinsfan]

Fair enough. I just don't see how it would benefit MLB to punish its players for standing up for a cause they believe in. I think the way the league is handling it so far is commendable.

I doubt any “ punishment “ is coming, maybe loss of pay, which is not punishment, it’s what should be expected

[Twins_Fan_For_Life]

The consequences will come in the form of fans making the decision but they don't want to watch anymore

[LVTwinsfan]

What if your boss supported your decision?

That would be up to him

[Brock Beauchamp]

Because, to me, they're out nothing. For actual changes to be made I need to see people willing to make sacrifices. Willingness to accept consequences for actions. The protesters in Portland are out there every night sacrificing their time, their money and energy. Agree or disagree with them but they're accepting their consequences. Tell me what the hometown nine are actually sacrificing here. To me, it looks like all they're doing if getting a paid day off and pats on the back for it.

They’re making a public statement. No sacrifice is needed to make a statement.

 

An artificially imposed sacrifice makes no sense and serves literally no one.

[Brock Beauchamp]

That would be up to him

Well, that’s what happened so I’m not sure what your argument is here. The players decided to not play, the front office and ownership supported them in that decision, so we’re all good here.

[Aggies7]

The consequences will come in the form of fans making the decision but they don't want to watch anymore

These current players probably won’t see any ramifications from some fans not watching. Now if sponsors pulled out, , and they won’t, that would be another story. But it would take a while for some fans turning away to make an impact

[twinbythebay]

 

Everyone is allowed to make peaceful protests, but if I chose to miss work to protest I wouldn’t get paid, and I wouldn’t expect to be either.

This is an apples to oranges comparison. I'm guessing you don't have a job that involves millions of people tuning in to watch you on TV every day. Professional athletes have a unique platform to raise awareness and affect change, and I think it's commendable that they're willing to use it for a cause that they believe is bigger than sports. I don't know what MLB would get by punishing players for this, besides lots of bad PR.