MLB Faces Calls to Fine Cade Cavalli Over 'Boy' Remark After 1-Day-Delayed Apology
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 2
MLB Faces Calls to Fine Cade Cavalli Over 'Boy' Remark After 1-Day-Delayed Apology
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 2
Summary
Cade Cavalli gathered reporters Wednesday to apologize for yelling “Sit down, boy!” at Willson Contreras after a strikeout, saying he was “extremely torn up” and insisting there was no ill intent.
The phrase’s racist history has intensified pressure on MLB to act even after the apology, with calls for a fine rather than a suspension to signal that such language still carries consequences.
Washington manager Blake Butera backed Cavalli’s character and called the episode a learning moment, while the Nationals had already said they would not discipline the right-hander themselves.
Tuesday’s altercation followed earlier contact near the mound and ended with Contreras reacting angrily; his own postgame Instagram challenge and history of flare-ups have complicated the incident without excusing Cavalli’s words.
The dispute has widened into a test of how baseball handles racially charged language, with the sport’s post-1947 integration history cited as reason for MLB to respond formally.