Cubs' Heyward has mixed feelings about Atlanta losing All-Star Game
Cubs outfielder Jason Heyward grew up in Atlanta, so he admitted having mixed feelings about the 2021 All-Star Game being removed from the city.
"There's a lot of people in Atlanta that love baseball and were looking forward to seeing an All-Star Game there, a Midsummer Classic," he said. "I think that's special, growing up there and watching a lot of baseball.
"At the same time, I think you're talking about a message that people are still out here pushing for equality."
MLB announced this week the All-Star Game would be moved because of Georgia's controversial new voting law. Heyward said The Players Alliance met via conference call at the end of training camp, but understood Commissioner Rob Manfred would make the call.
"I think it was just nice to see someone make a move pretty quickly and try to do it in a positive light, knowing it's a tough decision," Heyward said. "We wanted to make sure if it did get moved that we did have our presence in Atlanta. We knew a lot of people we already made commitments to, looking forward to being out in that community."
Like Heyward, Cubs manager David Ross is a Georgia native who spent several years with the Braves.
"That's a pretty strong statement that MLB's making and why they're making it, to support equal voting rights for everyone," Ross said. "I would definitely agree with that and pretty big step by Major League Baseball to move the All-Star Game, so kudos to them."
• Twitter: @McGrawDHBulls