Sheffield the "Man"
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by user Butterwo
Gary Sheffield wants to be treated like a "man." I know this because he has said so repeatedly throughout his career. From his perspective, it's about respect, and to a degree this makes sense. While it may not justify his persistent contract demands, or his belligerence toward baseball's figures of authority, Sheffield's constant refrain is a reminder of an ugly history in baseball that has treated players of color as second-class citizens.
On the one hand, it's refreshing that Sheffield is willing to speak his mind. Too few athletes are willing to risk the public scrutiny that comes with voicing an opinion. But on the other hand, it's unfortunate that when Sheffield does open up he often demonstrates a staggering lack of the very thing he covets: respect. Remember in 2004 when he suggested that Ichiro Suzuki's new single-season hits record wasn't impressive because hitting singles is easy? That doesn't seem too respectful.
Just last week Sheffield was suspended after an argument with umpire Greg Gibson. After the incident, Sheffield suggested that there was a conspiracy against him. According to Fox Sports, he said, "Once they see the tape, and they still suspend me, then we're going to talk about this conspiracy that's going on. If it ain't no conspiracy, then I shouldn't be suspended at all." Another issue of respect, apparently.
But most remarkably, in the current issue of GQ, Sheffield offers an explanation for the declining presence of African American players in Major League Baseball, a decline that corresponds, he believes, with the rise of Latin American players. Quoted by ESPN.com, here's Sheffield's theory:
"I called it years ago. What I called is that you're going to see more black faces, but there ain't no English going to be coming out. … [It's about] being able to tell [Latin players] what to do -- being able to control them. Where I'm from, you can't control us. You might get a guy to do it that way for a while because he wants to benefit, but in the end, he is going to go back to being who he is. And that's a person that you're going to talk to with respect, you're going to talk to like a man. These are the things my race demands. So, if you're equally good as this Latin player, guess who's going to get sent home? I know a lot of players that are home now can outplay a lot of these guys." ' There it is again. Being treated with "respect." Being treated like a "man." To be sure, Sheffield is right to insist that he, and other African Americans, should be treated with respect. And sadly, it remains the case that many in White America would, indeed, prefer to keep non-Whites in "control." But how on earth can Sheffield decry the lack of respect that is a part of racism against African Americans while simultaneously denigrating and yes, disrespecting, Latin Americans? The idea that Latin ballplayers are docile fools who can be manipulated and controlled is both unreasonable and insulting.
Both African Americans and Latin Americans know all too well what it feels like to be disrespected. There's no need for trying to position one as more disrespected than another. In short, if Gary Sheffield wants to be treated like a man, he should start by acting like one.
but to suggest that front offices take players who are latino because they are "easier to control" is simply preposterous...they take players who are better because they need them...
We cannot do anything about this problem of inner city baseball with current Major leaguers now...and should people somehow fund intercity baseball in the future (where is it suggested that predominantly black players would come from), than it could easily take 10 to 20 years till you see an uptick again...that is a fact...