The Red Sox issued a statement saying there were seven reported incidents of racials slurs used by fans at Fenway Park last year after a former star player said he made sure to never play for the team because of his experiences at the ballpark.
Torii Hunter, a five-time All-Star who won nine Gold Gloves during his time in the majors, told ESPN's "Golic and Wingo" show last week that he had a no-trade clause to the Red Sox during his time playing because of the racist taunts and jeers he got from Boston fans.
"I've been called the N-word in Boston a hundred times," he told the show. "And I said something about it."
Hunter said he always wanted to play for the team and that he never had anything against the front office or players, but the slurs hurled at him from Red Sox fans kept him away.
"If you're doing that and allowing it amongst the people, I don't want to be there," he said.
Boston, which was the last team in Major League Baseball to integrate, has been known to have a reputation because of some of its fans. In 2017, Fenway fell in the spotlight when fans flung slurs at then Baltimore Orioles center fielder Adam Jones.
In a Tweet on Wednesday, the Red Sox expressed support for Hunter and others who have experienced prejudice and hate at their ballpark.
"And it's not only players," the statement read. "It happens to the dedicated Black employees who work for us on game days. Their uniforms may be different, but their voices and experiences are just as important."
The statement continued by saying there are consequences for those who use racial slurs and hate speech at Fenway, but admitted there is still more work to do.
"True change starts from within, and as we identify how we can do better, please know we are listening," the statement read. "We hear you, and we believe you."
