Ex-MLB Player Disagrees with SF Giants Decision to hire the first ever female MLB coach.
On Thursday, January 16th, 2020, the San Francisco Giants hired Alyssa Nakken; who becomes the first female coach in Major League Baseball history. While the vast majority of sports fans celebrate a great (and long overdue) moment in baseball history, recognizing the importance of this hire; a former player speaks out with an opinion that is both controversial and misguided. Having been with the team since 2014 after getting a Masters in Sports Management and playing softball at Sacramento State, she is clearly qualified for a role on the team; knowing nothing about the work she’s done while with the team (obviously she’s done a great job).
According to new manager Gabe Kapler, she was promoted to help build a winning culture in the clubhouse. Wonderful news and hopefully just the beginning. Ex-MLB player, Aubrey Huff, apparently didn’t share in the excitement by tweeting “I got in trouble for wearing a thong in my own clubhouse when female reporters were present. Can’t imagine how it will play out with a full time female coach running around. This has #metoo & #BelieveAllWomen written all over it'“. Clearly stuck in the 1910’s, he continued on by tagging some current MLB player (who I truly hope don’t share his outdated POV) by adding that he “Couldn’t imagine taking baseball instruction from an ex female softball player. 🙄 Have fun with that”.
In the wake of some much needed and frankly about time progress in certain gender challenges in sports (with much more work still left to do), this type of mentality is a bit disheartening. Part of me wants to disregard this type of view as someone who is simply out of touch, but the other part of me believes that we need to have conversations with individuals who believe this type of thing because that view can be dangerous and while I don’t think engaging will change this individuals view; the process of having the conversation can help ensure that others might think about things more closely. When done peacefully, calmly, and respectfully; engaging with individuals who we disagree with can be a point of growth and important in creating positive dialogue on topics that need conversation and action. While I hate seeing something so misguided said about a really positive story, it reminds me that I need to take the time to reflect in moments of disagreement.
In 2020, I hope we all take time to reflect and think about what values are important to us. In reading what this individual said, it got me thinking about what I believe in and it was a good reminder to consistently live those values and take time to reflect on them. I promise to do more of that this year and I call on all of us to do the same.