Major League Baseball’s Latino All Stars affirm commitment to boycott next year’s game in Arizona.

[cal04]

http://thinkprogress.org/2010/07/13/all-stars-az-law/

Much of the discussion at yesterday’s annual Major League Baseball’s All Star festivities in Anaheim, CA centered on “next year’s game in Phoenix and the state’s controversial immigration law.” An array of progressive activists and organizations — including America’s Voice, National Council of La Raza, AFL-CIO, Service Employees International Union, People For the American Way, and others — have called on MLB Commissioner Bud Selig to move the game if the Arizona law is not changed. San Diego Padres All Star first baseman Adrian Gonzalez has already indicated that he may not play in Phoenix next year. Yesterday, a host of new players added their names to the cause:

Yovani Gallardo is firm. Even if he’s fortunate enough to make the All-Star team again next summer, he’ll skip it.

“If the game is in Arizona, I will totally boycott,” the Milwaukee Brewers pitcher said Monday. <…>

Kansas City reliever Joakim Soria, who leads the majors with 25 saves, said he would support a Latino protest and stay away. Detroit closer Jose Valverde can see himself steering clear, too. <…>

“They could stop me and ask to see my papers,” Soria said. “I have to stand with my Latin community on this.”

Valverde called the law “dumb.” And while St. Louis Cardinals’ manager Tony LaRussa supports Arizona’s anti-immigrant law, his All Star slugger Albert Pujols said he opposed it.


Brewers' Gallardo: 'I'll totally boycott' 2011 All-Star Game
http://host.madison.com/sports/baseball/professional/article_26d5a210-8e41-11df-afdb-001cc4c03286.html

[NYC Liberal]

1. I thought this said "Major League Baseball affirms..."

But nonetheless, thank you to the players who will boycot. :patriot:

[rurallib]

2. could bring back memories of those pre-1947 all white all star games

[damntexdem]

3. The 2012 Arizona No-Star Game.

Good for the boycotters!

[rurallib]

5. be really nice to see some white and black players join the protest.

[joeybee12]

4. So, watching the derby last night you see names like Ortiz, ramirez...

...yeah, next year's will be sparsely attended.