The world of sports can be a place where tensions and emotions run high, especially during high-stakes competitions like the World Series.
Unfortunately, this intensity can sometimes lead to instances of prejudice and bigotry, as was the case during Game 3 of the 2017 World Series between the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
During that game, Astros player Yuli Gurriel made a racist gesture and derogatory comments directed at Dodgers pitcher Yu Darvish, who is of Japanese and Iranian descent.
The incident drew widespread criticism and calls for punishment, but what happened next was unexpected: during their next matchup in Game 7 of the World Series, Gurriel tipped his hat to Darvish as a gesture of respect and apology.
This blog post will explore why Gurriel tipped his hat to Darvish and what this incident can teach us about forgiveness, cultural sensitivity, and inclusion in the world of sports.
Recap of the Incident
During Game 3 of the 2017 World Series, Yuli Gurriel made a racist gesture and used a derogatory term towards Yu Darvish, who was pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
After hitting a home run off of Darvish, Gurriel could be seen in the dugout making a slant-eyed gesture with his hands and saying “Chinito,” which is a Spanish term that translates to “little Chinese boy.”
Darvish himself had lived in the United States and Japan but was born in Osaka, Japan, making him of Japanese and Iranian descent.
The incident was caught on camera and quickly went viral, drawing widespread criticism from fans, players, and commentators alike. Many people called for Gurriel to be punished, with some suggesting a suspension or other disciplinary action.
The backlash also prompted calls for Major League Baseball (MLB) to take a stronger stance against racism and promote more diversity and inclusion in the sport.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred issued a statement condemning Gurriel’s behavior and saying that it had “no place” in the sport. Gurriel himself apologized after the game, saying that he had not intended to offend anyone and that he regretted his actions.
However, some people felt that his apology was insufficient and that more needed to be done to address the broader issue of racism in baseball.
Gurriel’s Apology to Darvish
After the incident during Game 3, Yuli Gurriel apologized to Yu Darvish both publicly and in person. In a postgame interview, he expressed remorse for his actions and acknowledged that what he did was wrong.
He also spoke with Darvish directly and apologized to him, reportedly saying that he was “ashamed” of his behavior and that he wanted to make things right.
Darvish later tweeted that he appreciated Gurriel’s apology and hoped that the incident could be a learning opportunity for everyone.
Some analysts pointed out that Gurriel’s behavior may have been influenced by cultural differences between the US and Latin America, where he is from.
In some Latin American countries, it is not uncommon for people to make slant-eyed gestures or use words like “Chinito” as a term of endearment or playfulness, without intending any harm or offense.
However, this behavior is generally considered inappropriate and offensive in the US, where it is seen as perpetuating harmful stereotypes about Asian people.
Gurriel himself acknowledged the cultural differences and said that he had learned from the incident. In an interview with ESPN, he said that he had not realized how offensive his gesture and comment were and that he had not intended to be disrespectful or racist.
He also said that he had taken steps to educate himself about cultural sensitivity and had spoken with his teammates and coaches about the incident.
Overall, Gurriel’s apology to Darvish and his efforts to learn from the incident was seen by many as a positive step forward in promoting greater understanding and respect between different cultures in the world of sports.
The Hat-Tipping Incident
During their next matchup in Game 7 of the World Series, Yuli Gurriel tipped his hat to Yu Darvish as a gesture of respect and apology.
The moment was captured on camera and quickly went viral, with many people expressing surprise and admiration for Gurriel’s willingness to take responsibility for his actions and seek reconciliation with Darvish.
The hat-tipping gesture was significant for several reasons. First, it demonstrated that Gurriel recognized the harm that his actions had caused and was committed to making amends.
By publicly acknowledging his regret and expressing a desire to move on from the controversy, he was able to show that he was taking the incident seriously and was willing to take steps to address it.
Second, the gesture was a symbol of the broader conversation around race and sports, particularly in baseball. The incident highlighted the need for more diversity and inclusion in the sport, as well as greater awareness of the harm caused by racial stereotypes and prejudice.
By publicly acknowledging his mistake and seeking to make amends, Gurriel was able to contribute to this conversation and help raise awareness of the need for more cultural sensitivity and understanding in baseball.
Finally, the hat-tipping incident was significant in terms of its impact on the broader public perception of Gurriel and Darvish.
While the incident initially drew widespread criticism and condemnation, Gurriel’s willingness to take responsibility for his actions and seek reconciliation with Darvish helped to humanize him and demonstrate that he was capable of growth and change.
Similarly, Darvish’s gracious acceptance of Gurriel’s apology helped to defuse the controversy and move the conversation toward a more constructive and productive place.
Overall, the hat-tipping incident was a powerful moment in the world of sports, highlighting the importance of cultural sensitivity, understanding, and reconciliation in promoting greater diversity and inclusion in baseball and beyond.
Here is a Table That Compares and Contrasts the Initial Incident Between Yuli Gurriel and Yu Darvish With Gurriel’s Later Apology and Hat-tipping Gesture:
| Aspect | Incident | Apology and Gesture |
|---|---|---|
| Behavior | Racist gesture and use of the word “Chinito” towards Darvish during Game 3 of the 2017 World Series | Apology to Darvish after the game and expression of remorse for his actions; hat-tipping gesture towards Darvish during their next matchup in Game 7 |
| Backlash | Widespread condemnation and calls for punishment, including a possible suspension | Acknowledgment of wrongdoing and willingness to take responsibility for his actions helped to defuse the situation |
| Learning | Acknowledgment of cultural differences that may have contributed to his behavior; participation in sensitivity training and donation to charity | Symbolized Gurriel’s regret and desire to move on from the controversy; a reminder of the need for greater diversity and inclusion in baseball and sports more broadly |
| Impact | Raised awareness of the harm caused by racial stereotypes and prejudice; sparked important conversations about promoting greater cultural sensitivity and understanding | Served as a reminder of the importance of treating others with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or identity |
Name of the table: Comparison of the Incident and Apology/Gesture of Yuli Gurriel towards Yu Darvish in the 2017 World Series.
FAQ
Did Gurriel face any punishment for his racist gesture and comments?
While some people called for Gurriel to be suspended or face other disciplinary action, MLB ultimately decided to suspend him for five games at the start of the 2018 season. Gurriel also underwent sensitivity training and made a donation to charitable organizations focused on promoting diversity and inclusion.
How did Darvish respond to Gurriel’s gesture in Game 7 of the World Series?
Darvish tweeted after the game that he appreciated Gurriel’s gesture and hoped that the incident could serve as a learning opportunity for everyone involved. He also expressed a desire to move on from the controversy and focus on the future.
What impact did the incident have on the broader conversation around race and sports?
The incident helped to raise awareness of the need for more diversity and inclusion in baseball and sports more broadly. It also highlighted the harm caused by racial stereotypes and prejudice and sparked important conversations about how to promote greater cultural sensitivity and understanding.
Have Gurriel and Darvish spoken about the incident since the 2017 World Series?
While there has not been any public statement from either Gurriel or Darvish about the incident since the hat-tipping gesture in Game 7, it is possible that they have spoken privately or continued to maintain a relationship off the field. Regardless of the status of their relationship, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of treating others with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or identity.
To Recap
Yuli Gurriel’s racist gesture and comments during Game 3 of the 2017 World Series sparked widespread controversy and calls for punishment, including a possible suspension.
However, Gurriel’s subsequent apology to Yu Darvish and his willingness to take responsibility for his actions helped to defuse the situation and move the conversation toward a more constructive and productive place.
The hat-tipping gesture during their next matchup in Game 7 of the World Series was a powerful symbol of Gurriel’s regret and desire to move on from the controversy, as well as a reminder of the need for greater diversity and inclusion in baseball and sports more broadly.
While the incident was a difficult and painful moment for many people, it also provided an opportunity for growth and learning, highlighting the importance of cultural sensitivity and understanding in promoting greater respect, tolerance, and acceptance.
