Mets, Marlins send strong message, exit field

In a powerful show of protest, the Mets and Marlins walked off the field on Thursday after observing a 42-second moment of silence on the eve of Jackie Robinson Day.

Mets and Marlins players milled around their dugouts, stretched and played catch prior to the scheduled 7:10 p.m. ET first pitch at Citi Field, but neither starting pitcher warmed. Then, at exactly 7:10 p.m., Black players Dominic Smith and Billy Hamilton led the Mets onto the field.

Standing on the mound, Mets pitcher Michael Wacha removed his cap as players from both teams lined up. Everyone then observed a moment of silence, before walking back off the field. Before leaving, Marlins outfielder Lewis Brinson placed a Black Lives Matter T-shirt atop home plate.

Our love for each other is #BiggerThanBaseball. #BLM pic.twitter.com/TEUUlJMsfn
— New York Mets (@Mets) August 28, 2020

Following the lead of the Brewers, who acted in solidarity with the NBA’s Bucks, six Major League teams postponed their games on Wednesday. Several others, including the A’s, Rangers; Twins, Tigers; Red Sox, Blue Jays and Rockies, D-backs postponed their games on Thursday. The NBA, NHL and others sports also postponed games around the country on Thursday.