Brothers in arms; Indians show support for social justice

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Cleveland Indians took three separate buses to PNC Park before Saturday's exhibition against the Pittsburgh Pirates, a move designed to maintain proper social distancing while also trying to pull off a Major League Baseball season during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The club, however, broke with the protocol for a few brief moments during the national anthem. While a prerecorded version of “The Star-Spangled Banner” blared over the speakers at the spectator-free ballpark, the Indians stood side-by-side, their right hand over their heart, their left hand on their teammate's right shoulder.

It was intentional. It was peaceful. And most importantly, star shortstop Francisco Lindor stressed, it was respectful of all sides as the team figures out a way to show support for social justice following the death of George Floyd while in custody of Minneapolis police in May.

“I think as a team we stand by the change but we also respect the flag and the national anthem as a team,” Lindor said after hitting a go-ahead double in the eighth inning of a 5-3 victory. “We understand that it is time for a change and change is due.”

The club held a lengthy meeting on Friday that manager Terry Francona said focused on “life issues.” The result provided a vivid visual. No kneeling, but rather a very intimate, very personal sign of unity. Lindor believes it's the start of something, not the end.

“We need to continue to have more conversations,” Lindor said. “This is not a one-time thing. people have been fighting for black lives and people of color for the longest time ... we’re going to continue to talk.”

Even if they'll be forced to do it during the most unusual season in baseball history. What ended up as a show of togetherness actually began...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Brothers-in-arms-Indians-show-support-for-social-15418269.php