MLB Network broadcaster Jim Kaat came under fire Friday after making a slavery reference during the American League Division Series game between the Chicago White Sox and Houston Astros.
White Sox infielder Yoán Moncada, a Cuban native, was at the plate when former MLB manager Buck Showalter recalled knowing Moncada had the potential to be a superstar when he was scouting him as the chief of the Baltimore Orioles. Moncada eventually signed with the Boston Red Sox and was later traded to Chicago.
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Kaat decided to add to Showalter’s story with a puzzling remark.
“Get a 40-acre field full of ‘em,” the 82-year-old former pitcher said.
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Later in the game, Kaat apologized for the comment.
“I want to add a little break here. In fact, I need to read this right now, because earlier in the game when Yoán Moncada was at the plate in an attempt to compliment the great player, I used a poor choice of words that resulted in a sensitive, hurtful remark. And I’m sorry.” Kaat said.
He stayed on through the broadcast.
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Kaat pitched in the majors from 1959 to 1983 and was a three-time All-Star and World Series champion. He made his debut in broadcasting with the New York Yankees in 1986.