Milton Bradley Says He’s Ready, Unfased By Racist Cubs Fans

Gordon Wittenmyer, Chicago Sun Times

It is common knowledge in the baseball world that Cubs Fans and Red Sox fans have a history of racial confrontations. As Wittenmyer states, “crowds at Wrigley and Boston’s Fenway Park also are considered among the worst by African-American players for a racist element comprising at least vocal minorities.”

With this in mind, it is interesting to think about a player like Milton Bradley playing for the Cubs. Wittenmyer talks about Milton’s history of “angry outbursts and run-ins”. Underlying this description is the notion that based on past actions, Milton Bradley fits a stereotype. Milton Bradley fits the stereotype of the angry African American baseball player who cannot control his anger or emotions and destroying teams in the process. He is seen as disrespectful of authority, a player who lives by his own rules, maybe even called a “thug” in some conversations.

There is a history and legacy of insidious racism in baseball. In recent decades major league baseball has increased its international diversity, but the number of African American players in the major leagues, at 7% is as low as it was in the 1940s. There are many reasons for this, but that is a discussion for a different day.

Milton says he’s ready for Cubs fans, and that he is at a point in his career where winning as a team, aided by a large multi-year contract, will squelch any inkling for an emotional outburst. As a Cubs fan, I am thrilled at Milton’s recognition that as a player you should be above it all, and focus on the game and task at hand.

However, as a person who believes in racial equality, and has significant problems with the institution of baseball, I kind of want him to make a stink. Baseball is the ultimate sport of the “angry white male”, whether it be talk radio, message boards, or what have you– it seems that every white male knows the game of baseball is played and has a socially perscribed duty to pass the game on to his son. It is “America’s Pastime”, but it is a past-time that reflects antiquated racial attitudes and idealized notions of the possibility of the American dream. This is part of the beauty of baseball– it reflects a certain American purity and nostalgia that cannot be replicated by any other sport. But, this focus on nostalgia and purity make antiquated notions of race both popular and accepted.

There is a reason why Cubs fans and Red Sox fans are both considered to be racist. I would argue that these teams have a greater focus on tradition and baseball purity than any other teams in the league. Moreover, the teams play in parts of their cities that are racially segregated– playing in the wealthy white part of town. While the Yankees are strong on nostalgia, they also play in a part of town that is ethnically diverse– they have become associated with grit and toughness as well as white privilege.

I hope that Milton has a wonderful season, and I also hope that Cubs fans can be nostalgic while also respecting race. Baseball fans, don’t force Milton in to a stereotype and then say “I told you so”.

UPDATE: Milton was thrown out of his first game at Wrigley today. The fans seemed to love it however.

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