gettyimages I’ve been thinking about Gary Sheffield’s comments for several days now. Is it possible that Joe Torre treats whites better than blacks in the Yankee clubhouse? And if so, how come nobody knew about it until now?
I don’t reside in that clubhouse and nobody really knows what goes on behind closed doors, but we all get hints from time to time, and it’s impossible to think that this has been kept under wraps for so long.
There’s no question that there are racial divides in sports. Just look into the Yankee dugout during the game. Melky Cabrera and Robinson Cano are hanging out together. Why not? They’re both from the Dominican Republic. And there’s no question that, for some people, it all comes down to black and white no matter what issue is raised.
Did a player deserve a dressing down in front of the entire team? Or in his mind did he get it because of the color of his skin? If I had to guess, Gary Sheffield got called out because A) he deserved it, B) Torre thought he could make a point, and C) Sheffield could take it.
What’s the point of criticizing a backup catcher in front of the team? Whose attention is that going to get exactly?
Again, people have track records. And never once has Joe Torre been accused by anyone of being a racist. Just look in his office before a big game: Yogi, Billy Crystal, Bob Gibson. Various colors and religions.
Torre’s a class act. He was right in not commenting in response to the former Yankees outfielder. If Sheffield wants to play in the gutter, let him play solitaire.
