This question has been rattling my mind since the former manager of the Diamondbacks made a remark about Marcus Stroman wearing his du-rag on the mound.
For the exact quote, Brenly said , “I’m sure that’s the same du-rag Tom Seaver used to wear”. Talk about something out of left field ! What puzzles me about this controversy is Brenly himself had to defend Byung-Hyun Kim from cultural judgements in NYC! Kim had given up three straight games in NYC as the Diamondbacks closer in the 2001 World Series. From what I remember Kim was joked on on SNL. While the D-Backs won that World Series, Kim discussed the legacy of his career years later . (https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.si.com/.amp/mlb/2019/07/03/byung-hyun-kim-diamondbacks-yankees-world-series?fbclid=IwAR3ZAnVs3bOq9Szo_aPNFwDcIZXOYiNsZ7WIEj5Rilxrr8uL_W3N4pqsskE)
For Brenly, I’d ask him what did he learn in that experience 20 years ago? It feels like he didn’t learn anything after hearing Tuesday’s comment!
Right now, Brenly has stepped away from the Diamondbacks broadcast booth after the backlash he received. He even released a statement that acknowledges he needs to undergo sensitivity training. How does a man who is a veteran of the game and of broadcasting in his 60s need to undergo sensitivity training? Does a hot mic really mean an open mic for some of these people?
The circumstance of that comment also surfaced because the benches DID clear after Stroman and the D-Backs own Josh Rojas were jawing at each other . Keep in mind the Diamondbacks have been frustrated going 5-26 in May! Was that a reason why a grown man like Bob Brenly would make that comment about Stroman? Is he frustrated in the broadcast booth too??
Bob Brenly said he was trying to be funny. I hate the cancel culture as much as anyone, but the comment made about Stroman’s headwear was crossing the line. My suggestion is that Stro wear one over his Met hat now just to prove the point that is his preference and he won’t let anyone deter him from wearing a du-rag on the mound. It’s very much his comfort zone to excel for the Mets, you can just see it.
Oh and Stroman just needs to keep doing his thing for the Mets, after all this team is in first place! Enjoy the basement , Bob Brenly !
The Writings of Alex Garrett 