Yankees fans boo Tim Anderson day after Josh Donaldson’s ‘Jackie’ comment

New York Yankees fans booed Tim Anderson when he stepped up to the plate in the second game of their doubleheader on Sunday, May 22.

The May 21 game between the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees will not be remembered for the actual game itself. Rather, it will be the words that were said by Yankees third baseman Josh Donaldson towards White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson. After the game, Anderson said that Donaldson called him Jackie Robinson, which the Yankees third baseman confirmed.

A day after the incident, Anderson batted leadoff for Chicago for the second game of their doubleheader, and he was greeted with boos by fans in attendance at Yankee Stadium.

Tim Anderson booed by Yankees fans batting leadoff of second game of May 22 doubleheader

In the game the day prior, there was a benches clearing incident after Donaldson and catcher Yasmani Grandal exchanged words. Anderson approached and had to be held back by teammates. That is when Anderson said after the game that Donaldson told him “What’s up, Jackie.”

Donaldson confirmed that he said it, but cited an interview Anderson had with Sports Illustrated back in 2019 where he said he felt like “today’s Jackie Robinson.” Donaldson said it was an inside joke with Anderson, saying he said it back in 2019 when he was a member of the Atlanta Braves. He said that he apologizes if Anderson felt offended and that he was open to having a meeting with him.

White Sox closer Liam Hendriks shared his thoughts on Donaldson’s comments, saying that inside jokes are with people who get along with each other before calling the third baseman’s statement “complete bulls—.”

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said prior to the first game of the Sunday doubleheader that although he did not feel Donaldson had any malicious intent, he said the “Jackie” comment “somewhere he should not be going.”

MLB is investigating the incident.