In a negative escalation to what was a positive, and surprising, historic moment in MLB history on Tuesday, San Francisco Giants’ first base coach Antoan Richardson has accused San Diego Padres’ third base coach Mike Shildt of racism.
MLB history was made last night in San Francisco when Richardson was shockingly ejected during the third inning of the Giants’ 13-2 win over the Padres. The coach being removed from the game was certainly a story, but it was overshadowed when Alyssa Nakken replaced him at first base and became the first woman ever to coach an MLB game on the field.
However, after the game details of what led to Nakken’s moment were revealed to Bay area reporters. In a post-game interview, Richardson — who is black — explained that an exchange of words between himself and Shildt led to his eventual ejection. He also alleged that comments made by the San Diego 3B coach had undertones of racism.
Antoan Richardson explains ejection from San Francisco Giants win over San Diego Padres
“[Shildt] yelled, ‘You need to control that motherf—er,'” Richardson told reporters [ht/ ESPN]. “At that point in time, I went to the top step and said, ‘Excuse me,’ because I couldn’t believe what I heard. At that point in time, Gibson the crew chief decided to toss me from the game.
“I say this because his words were disproportionately unwarranted and reeked undertones of racism when he referred to me as ‘that mother—er,’ as if I was to be controlled or a piece of property or enslaved,” he continued. “I think it’s just really important we understand what happened tonight.”
Richardson claims he was told by the umpire he was removed from the game for “instigating.” To which the Giants coach feels sends a terrible message for how Shildt — who is white — might conduct himself on the field in the future.
“And the second part that’s equally disappointing is that me being tossed by that umpire empowers this coach to continue to have conversations like that with people like me, and that’s really unfortunate that’s what happened tonight,” Richardson added.
Giants manager Gabe Kapler backs Richardson’s reaction
Shildt and Padres manager Bob Melvin did not comment on the matter following the game. However, Giants manager Gabe Kapler was supportive of his coach and insisted after the game he trusted that Richardson’s reaction to the exchange was likely warranted.
“I trust Antoan’s judgment 100 percent,” Kapler said. “I trust Antoan’s judgment on the matter and I know that Antoan was not out of control at all and that anything that was said to insinuate that he was is totally inappropriate. He didn’t instigate any part of this.”
On the MLB game schedule the Giants return to face the Padres at 3:45 PM ET.
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