World Series hero sparks debate with ‘I Just Look Illegal’ shirt
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- Category: Culture
- Created on Thursday, 08 November 2012 13:05
- Written by basicsnews.ca
It’s rare these days when profesional athletes take progressive political stands, especially on a stage such as the world series champion’s parade. This happened last week on November 1st. We thought our readers should be aware of it and discuss it. We saw the article on basicsnews.ca.
Triumphant Giants Pitcher Sparks Debate With ‘I Just Look Illegal’ Shirt
SAN FRANCISCO, US – The San Francisco Giants completed an epic 4-0 sweep against the Detroit Tigers to claim their second Major League Baseball World Series title.
However, since this impressive win, it has been one of their Relief Pitchers, Sergio Romo who has stolen the headlines. Taking part in their celebratory parade through the streets of San Francisco, Romo was seen sporting a t-shirt that read “I just look illegal”.
Pictures of Romo’s shirt sparked immediate reaction, with some denouncing his use of the term ‘illegal’ and other praising what appears to be cheeky commentary relating to the recent number of laws passed in US states such as the infamous SB 1070 in Arizona. Among other things, SB 1070 requires police to stop and detain anyone ‘when there is reasonable suspicion’ that they may be undocumented. Latino and Civil Rights organizations have criticized this law as racist and unconstitutional.
Born in Brawley, California to Mexican parents, Romo has been part of the relief staff with the Giants since 2009, achieving impressive statistics including a 20-9 win-loss record, and ERA of 2.20 and 277 Strikeouts. Romo was also one of the stars of the Giants post-season run, acting as the closer and recording striking out the final 3 batters to record the save and seal the Giants victory.
Romo is not the first baseball player to make a statement against this law. The Major League Baseball Players Association came out against this law, stating that “If the current law goes into effect, the MLBPA will consider additional steps necessary to protect the rights and interests of our members.” The number of Latino players in Major League Baseball has surged in the last two decades, jumping from 13 percent in 1990 to 28.3 percent in 2011.
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