A shocking revelation about Los Angeles Dodgers veteran infielder Miguel Rojas (36) has emerged. New York Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. (27) disclosed the reality of his conflict with Rojas during their time with the Miami Marlins.
On the 27th (Korean time), the U.S. publication The Athletic published a feature article about Chisholm. The right-handed hitting infielder from the small island nation of the Bahamas debuted in Major League Baseball with Miami in 2020 and was traded to the New York Yankees in July of last year. He is entering the new season as the starting second baseman for the Yankees.
Chisholm, who wears a gold necklace and sparkling earrings, is considered one of the most colorful players in Major League Baseball. He boasts distinctive hairstyles and outfits, even dyeing his hair blue. He is also well-known for his flashy euro step as he crosses home plate after hitting a home run.
However, perhaps because of his flamboyance, when Chisholm debuted in Major League Baseball with Miami in 2020, he experienced conflicts with veteran players. He was criticized for his attire during arrivals at the stadium and on road trips. Rojas, who was the Marlins' captain at the time, was at the center of the issue. Rojas, who played shortstop and formed a keystone combo with second baseman Chisholm, was traded to the Dodgers after the 2022 season.
When Chisholm targeted Rojas in March of last year, Rojas noted, "I don't care what Chisholm says about me. However, it's not right to share everything that happens in the clubhouse with everyone. One must respect the people in the clubhouse. Every organization has its own rules."
A year later, Chisholm detailed the conflict with Rojas further. According to The Athletic, Chisholm brought 20 pairs of custom-designed cleats to the clubhouse, but Rojas cut one pair with scissors and damaged them by pouring milk on them. This incident occurred just two weeks after his debut in Major League Baseball. A person who was in the clubhouse at the time testified that it was "childish bullying."
"It was purely out of jealousy," recalled Chisholm, who added, "I don't want to say this, but baseball is a white sport. If I were white, no one would have cut or discarded my shoes. If a white boy complains, everyone feels uncomfortable, but when I complain, it’s considered no big deal."
In June 2022, Chisholm was once again at the center of conflict over his attire, which led to Don Mattingly, the then-Miami manager, holding a team-wide meeting that lasted 90 minutes. Struggling to fit in with the team, Chisholm felt like an "outcast" during his time in Miami. He would spend time alone in the sleep room or occasionally watch animations with Starling Marte (New York Mets).
However, after being traded to the Yankees in late July last year, the situation changed. Given Chisholm's strong personality, there were doubts about whether he would adapt to the strict Yankees culture, but new teammates, including manager Aaron Boone and ace Gerrit Cole, warmly embraced him. Chisholm said, "Being around my teammates every day made me feel like I’ve truly become a Major Leaguer. I used to hide in my room and only watch animations, but now I’m socializing with my colleagues."
Chisholm, who began to receive acceptance from his teammates and socialize while with the Yankees, also saw a rebound in performance after the trade. In 46 games after joining the Yankees last year, he posted a batting average of .273 (48 hits in 176 at-bats), hit 11 home runs, drove in 23 runs, and stole 18 bases with an OPS of .825. Last year he played third base, but this year he will be entering as second baseman. Since the Yankees did not retain free agent Gleyber Torres (Detroit Tigers), Chisholm will begin the new season at his original position.
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