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Wednesday’s game between the Brewers and Reds will not take place after both teams voted not to participate in an effort to focus attention on the fight for racial justice and an end to police brutality. This follows Sunday’s events in Kenosha, Wisconsin, when Jacob Blake — a 29-year-old black man — was shot seven times in the back by police.
The Reds have agreed not to play as well. No forfeit situation. Both teams have agreed to sit out tonight’s game. https://t.co/BZJAg8GujJ
— Jared Diamond (@jareddiamond) August 26, 2020
Obviously, this is an extremely unprecedented gesture in baseball and follow’s the NBA’s lead — which itself was initiated by another Milwaukee-based team, the Bucks, who sat out Game 5 of their playoff series against the Magic on Wednesday afternoon. The league later postponed all of Wednesday’s scheduled games.
The Mariners and Padres have also voted not to play Wednesday night, and it appears as if the Giants and Dodgers may soon do the same. Obviously, it’s possible that additional games beyond those ones may be in jeopardy. The Cubs and Tigers proceeded as scheduled, but veteran outfielder Jason Heyward pulled himself from the lineup prior to first pitch.