CHICAGO — Indians infielder Yu Chang received racist anti-Asian hate messages on social media immediately following Cleveland’s 4-3 loss Monday night to the White Sox.
Chang, a native of Taiwan, posted a message on his Twitter account early Tuesday that compiled screen shots of several vile messages directed at him after his throwing error in the ninth inning led to a walk-off win for Chicago.
Chang’s response to the message was firm and direct and was accompanied by the hashtag #StopAsianHate.
“Exercise your freedom of speech in a right way, I accept all comments, positive or negative but DEFINITELY NOT RACIST ONES. Thank you all and love you all”
Chang’s post immediately generated an outpouring of support from Indians fans and others across the internet. Cavaliers bilingual radio play-by-play man Rafa El Alcalde tweeted at Chang:
“Hey Yu, you keep going strong and representing the beauty of the diversity in this country and our beautiful city of Cleveland. We are stronger than them and we are all behind you man. Love always wins. #WeAreWithYou”
Meanwhile, fans continued to show love and support for Chang regardless of what happened on the field.
“Oh hell no! I’m sorry you experienced this. These people are terrible! Stuff happens on the field...mistakes happen, that is called life! We love Yu Chang in my household!!!!!” @StacieMarie19
“Man this is disgusting, I’m sorry to see this example of how people are continually hateful; this time to you for a mistake. It’s so sad how unsurprising this has become. Keep you head up Yu, your skill on the diamond is appreciated, and your humanity off the field is honorable.” @rhugheserious
“Disgusting way to treat someone. No reason or excuse for that. This small group of people has such a large voice because the message is so hateful. The vast majority of Indians fans are excited to see you getting a chance to play this year. We stand by and for you! YUUUU!” @palmermatt23
The Indians signed Chang as an undrafted 17-year-old free agent in 2013. He is the club’s second major-league player from Taiwan, joining Chen-Chang Lee (2013-15). He is a member of the Amis tribe, which is one of sixteen officially recognized Taiwanese aboriginal groups.
In the offseason Chang and his wife, Ling, welcomed their first child, a son they named Winston.
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