“We’re not just going to shut up and dribble, shut up and play ball. We’re going to stand for what we believe in.”
Strong words from Dominic Smith, one night after his emotional post-game press conference and minutes after what was supposed to be the Mets-Marlins series finale was postponed after both teams walked off the field.
Earlier in the day, video had leaked of Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen criticizing someone’s recommendation for the teams to walk off the field at game time, only to return to play an hour later; it was intimated that the idea was commissioner Rob Manfred’s, but was later attributed by the GM to Jeff Wilpon, and earned rebukes from Manfred and The Wilpons.
Not long before, Smith and the three teammates who stood with him in a bizarre “post-game” media session – Michael Conforto, Robinson Cano, and Dellin Betances – had been part of history at Citi Field. Just before first pitch was slated to happen, both dugouts empties, and all of the Mets and Marlins took part in a 42-second moment of silence before leaving and not playing their game.
“It was from all of the players, we threw out ideas. The 42 seconds was an agreement between us and the Marlins. I met with a couple of their players,” Michael Conforto, the Mets’ union rep, explained. “[Marlins infielder Miguel] Rojas brought up that idea. We wanted to make sure what we were doing out there was done by both teams and we wanted to make sure it was organized, and the right message was being put out when we went out on the field. It was a bit last-minute, but I think the right message was portrayed and I think it was good.”
MLB saw numerous cancellations throughout the league on both Wednesday and Thursday, as well as individual players opting out of games, but the four Mets who spoke after the only walk-off all echoed the same sentiment: we hope it was a strong statement about change.
“We need to treat each other with respect, with kindness, no matter your race, no matter where you come from. I think it’s as simple as that,” said Conforto. “I think that’s the message that we’re putting out there tonight.”
“We’re just tired of all the injustice in the black community. It’s time for a change,” Betances added. “We’re using our platform as best as we can so we can make a change.”
Especially poignant for Smith, who was overjoyed that not only teammates, but stars from throughout the league as well as other leagues, were with him after his emotional Wednesday.
“It’s still overwhelming to this moment, just to see how moved my peers are, my teammates, my brothers, the front office, the coaching staff. It made me feel really good inside and it made me feel that we are on the right path of change,” Smith said. “I heard from tons of people across three different sports – NBA, NFL. I’ve got people who work for companies, ESPN, MLB Network, reaching out. A ton of people just reached out and want to help. That’s the impact and change that we need, and I can’t thank them enough for just being open and being willing to actually change or want to change or take the next step to change.”
Added Cano: “He’s a brother. We all love him here. We’re always going to be on his side.”
The Mets and Yankees are scheduled to play five games over three days this weekend to make up two of the three games postponed last weekend by the Mets’ COVID-19 issues, and Yankees manager Aaron Boone said earlier this week that he doesn’t expect those games to be affected.
As for the last Mets-Marlins game, there has been no word as of press time as to when (or if) that will be made up. The two teams’ only remaining mutual off-day is this coming Monday, August 31, although logistics may be tough; the Marlins would be at home in between series with the Rays and Blue Jays, while the Mets would be off between the Subway Series and a trip to Baltimore.