Zobrist and Schwarber defy MLB, wear black cleats |
CHICAGO — In the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Chicago Cubs on Monday afternoon, veteran Cubs leader Ben Zobrist continued with a tradition that he has been carrying out for the past few seasons now: wearing black cleats during afternoon games to honor baseball's pastime.
Despite being sent a warning letter by the MLB front office over the weekend that threatened him with future punishment if he continued to wear black cleats, Zobrist defied the powers that be, and teammate Kyle Schwarber stood with him. Zobrist and Schwarber both donned black cleats on Monday, something that Zobrist started doing out of respect for the players of yore, who sported black cleats, regardless of uniform color. While Major League Baseball controversially decided that it is a dress-code violation, Zobrist appears to be bracing to put up a fight against the overly strict ruling. When asked to share his thoughts on the mandate by MLB, Schwarber told the media, "I don't see the point there of why you would try to make a big deal (out) of a jersey or a pair of shoes." As for Zobrist, he plans to call MLB's chief baseball officer, legendary manager Joe Torre, to discuss the situation. "My question's going to be, 'Why?'" Zobrist told the media when discussing what he plans to say to Torre. "And we'll see what kind of answer I get. Why now? I think all players are kind of wondering that. Hopefully, I get an answer and we can move forward." The throwback cleats were especially symbolic for Monday's game, as the Cubs honored Jackie Robinson by sporting the number 42 on all their jerseys. Needless to say, Robinson was just the kind of transcendent player from baseball's pastime who Zobrist is honoring with his classic cleats. And Robinson would have assuredly been proud of Zobrist for his display of steadfast devotion to his cause in the face of adversity.
