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Meet the Mets
Last night, the Mets and Marlins walked off the field and opted not to play in protest of social injustice.
The plans were not previously made known, as both teams took the field despite neither starting pitcher warming up and the Mets not having a lineup made public until about 7:09pm. After the teams took their spot on the diamond, Miami’s Lewis Brinson stepped to the plate and both teams exited their respective dugouts. A 42-second moment of silence followed before the teams walked off. A Black Lives Matter t-shirt was left on home plate.
Michael Conforto shared that the 42-second moment of silence, which symbolized Jackie Robinson’s No. 42, came from Miami’s Miguel Rojas.
Before that beautiful display of unity between the Mets and Marlins, the baseball world was enthralled by a leaked video that showed GM Brodie Van Wagenen criticizing Rob Manfred on a hot mic for a plan to have both teams walk off the field at 7:10pm before eventually returning for an 8:10pm start time.
Van Wagenen issued an apology for the contents of the video, stating that, “Jeff [Wilpon] proposed an idea of playing the game an hour later. I misunderstood that this was the Commissioner’s idea. In actuality, it was Jeff’s suggestion.” Mets players voted earlier in the day to not play.
Mets’ ownership also issued an apology following the misunderstanding.
Dominic Smith’s pain, which he shared after Wednesday night’s game in a heart-wrenching and emotional video, shows us that we still have a long way to go for racial justice. His raw honesty was the catalyst for this powerful moment.
On the broadcast following the postponement, Cohen, Hernandez, and Gelbs were emotional when discussing the bravery and character of Smith.
Smith has seen a lot of support to help his Baseball Generations foundation in the wake of that video, including from players in MLB, NBA, and NFL, as well as ESPN and MLB Network.
In response to using Seth Lugo as a starting pitcher and potentially hindering their bullpen, Luis Rojas responded by saying “We trust our guys.”
Michael Wacha was activated from the injured list to start yesterday’s game prior to the postponement. He will presumably start on Friday. The team optioned Drew Smith to make room.
Pop star Jennifer Lopez elaborated on the rumors that she and Alex Rodriguez are looking to buy the Mets.
Around the National League East
Following last night, Marlins manager Don Mattingly astutely observed that, “This can’t be a moment, it has to be a movement.”
The Marlins shared their statement on not playing.
The Phillies were the first team to officially announce that they would not be playing on Thursday night. Their game against the Nationals was postponed.
Philadelphia spoke about their decision to sit out on Thursday. The team joined their hockey counterparts, the Flyers, who also did not play their game against the Islanders.
The Phillies shared their statement on not playing.
The Nationals shared their statement on not playing.
Philadelphia’s Rhys Hoskins was deeply affected by Smith’s words following Wednesday’s Mets game.
Nationals manager Dave Martinez believes Jackie Robinson would want players to play today’s games.
Around Major League Baseball
In total, seven games were postponed on Thursday in a display of unity to protest racial inequality following the shooting of Jacob Blake: Mets vs. Marlins, Phillies vs. Nationals, Rockies vs. Diamondbacks, Red Sox vs. Blue Jays, Athletics vs. Rangers, Orioles vs. Rays, and Twins v. Tigers.
The Rockies shared their statement on not playing.
The Diamondbacks shared their statement on not playing.
The Red Sox shared their statement on not playing.
The Blue Jays shared their statement on not playing.
The Athletics shared their statement on not playing.
The Rangers shared their statement on not playing.
The Orioles shared their statement on not playing.
The Rays shared their statement on not playing.
The Twins shared their statement on not playing.
The Tigers shared their statement on not playing.
Manfred issued the following statement following the night’s events.
While some were absent, MLB as a whole was disappointingly present yesterday.
Prior to the team’s decision to not play on Thursday, Jackie Bradley Jr. noted that he would not be taking the field for Boston’s game.
Players around the league spoke up about their decision not to play.
The players who represent The Players Alliance revealed that they will be donating their salaries from August 27 and August 28 to the organization, which remains unified in its mission to make real, lasting change. Aaron Boone added that he will donate his salary as well.
Manfred laughably claimed that “there is no bigger baseball fan in the world than me” while talking about the postseason bubble, blackout rules, and cutting minor league teams.
In an op-ed, Michael G. Long argued that MLB also needs to honor Jackie Robinson’s radical activism. The league is celebrating Jackie Robinson Day today.
Lorenzo Cain, who previously opted out of the 2020 season, expanded on his reasons for doing so, which go beyond just the pandemic.
The Rays acquired outfielder Brett Phillips from the Royals in exchange for Lucius Fox. No word yet on if the Rays would send Alfred Pennyworth or Bruce Wayne along with Fox.
The Blue Jays acquired pitcher Taijuan Walker from the Mariners.
The Dodgers placed pitcher Walker Buehler on the IL with a blister on his right hand. The team added Mitch White to their roster to take Buehler’s place.
Aaron Judge may be heading back to the injured list according to Boone.
The Tigers are shutting down Matt Manning and Alex Faedo for the remaining of the season. Both have been dealing with a right forearm strain.
Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue
Chris McShane covered everything that happened at Citi Field on an emotional night.
Kenneth Lavin deconstructed the 2011 draft.
This Date in Mets History
On this date in 1984, the Mets acquired eventual 1986 World Series MVP Ray Knight in a trade with the Astros. The Mets parted with Gerald Young, Manuel Lee, and Rick Cook in the deal.