In May 2022, Major League Baseball (MLB) suspended New York Yankees third baseman Josh Donaldson for one game and fined him for making inappropriate comments toward Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson. During a game on May 21, 2022, Donaldson referred to Anderson as “Jackie,” a reference to Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play in MLB. Anderson, who is Black, found the comment disrespectful, especially given their previous interactions.
MLB’s senior vice president for on-field operations, Michael Hill, stated that the comment was “disrespectful and in poor judgment, particularly when viewed in the context of their prior interactions.”
Donaldson acknowledged making the “Jackie” comment but claimed there was no racist intent, noting that he believed it was an inside joke referencing an interview Anderson had given in 2019. He expressed regret if Anderson found the comment disrespectful.
Donaldson appealed the suspension, and he was allowed to play for the Yankees until the appeal process concluded.
