But Antoan Richardson felt very strongly on Tuesday night that he had to share what he had in mind and it soon became clear why. Standing a few feet outside the Giants after the 13-2 victory over the San Diego Padres, Richardson explained how he was sent off – for no reason, felt – in the third inning of the game. Richardson, who is from the Bahamas, felt that Padres’s third base coach Mike Shildt treated him in a way that was “racist”, but it was Richardson who was fired. Richardson said Shield was staring at the Giants’ boat in the third inning, and Richardson asked, “Can I help you? Are you looking for someone?” Shildt told him he was looking for Giants pitcher Alex Wood, and manager Gabe Kapler came to see what was going on. Richardson said Shildt shouted words he thought were intended for Kapler. “You have to control this mom —- r,” Richardson said. “At that point in time, I went upstairs and said, ‘Excuse me?’ I could not believe what I heard. That moment, [Greg] Gibson, the head of the crew, decided to kick me out of the game. I think his words were disproportionately unjustified and [had] implied racism when he called me “this mom —- r”, as if they had to control me or a piece of property or enslave me. I think it is very important to understand what happened tonight. “The second part that is just as frustrating is that being fired by this referee has allowed this coach to continue to have such conversations with people like me, and it’s really unfortunate that it happened tonight. With that said, I am really excited that Alice [Nakken] she was given the opportunity to make her debut in the championship and I am very proud of her. “I think he did a really great job and we got the win, so that’s the most important thing.” Richardson said he never used bad language and was told he was expelled for “incitement”. His dismissal meant that Nakken was sent to the first coaching base, making her the first woman to coach on the field in MLB history. This will have an impact on the game as it is played, but Richardson’s categories will definitely have a big impact this season. This is the first of six series between NL West rivals, and even before Richardson spoke, it was clear that the Padres were outraged by the Giants’ decision to steal a base and win a blow with a huge lead. Kepler defended both decisions. An hour later, he left the club to support Richardson, one of the most popular staff members. “I trust Antoine’s judgment 100 percent,” Kepler said. “I trust Antoan’s judgment on the matter and I know that Antoan was not out of control at all, and that anything that was said to imply that he was is completely inappropriate. He did not incite any part of it.” Kepler said he did not really hear what Shield said, but did not think it was appropriate to expel Richardson. He had not spoken to any of the Padres after the game. The teams play again Wednesday afternoon at Oracle Park. Richardson said he understood that his statement would become history, but considered it important that he speak. When Richardson came out to speak to reporters, Giants LaMonte player Wade Jr. he also came out of the club and stood a few feet away. “It’s important to raise awareness about this,” Richardson said. “Unfortunately, this is what exists in our world and I think it is important to understand when we make comments and take such action, what it means for communities. “I share this story not only with myself, but I share this story with other people who look like me. I know I had the full support of my teammates and others who would have been disappointed if I had not shared this story tonight.” Download and follow the Giants Talk Podcast
