Crawford 1-for-4 With Triple, But Game Marred By Racial Slur
BOSTON (CBS) - Rehabbing Red Sox outfielder Carl Crawford was encouraged after going 1-for-4 with a triple Thursday night for the Double-A Portland SeaDogs.
However, a heckling fan nearly ruined the evening for him.
"Talking about that guy, he actually called me a racial slur to begin the game. He was the only one I had a problem with," Crawford said of a fan behind home plate at the Northeast Delta Dental Stadium in Manchester. "People in Boston don't even do that. So I don't know what that was about. It's not that bad in Boston, like that."
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For the most part, Crawford heard chirps about being overpaid and overrated. After signing a seven-year, $142 million deal prior to last season, and batting just .255 in 130 games, Crawford understands those taunts.
"I can understand why people can be upset about me signing a contract and me having the kind of year I had," Crawford said. "I understand, you know? They love their team. They want you to produce when you sign a contract like that. I can't be mad at them. All I can do is get ready to play this year and try to produce."
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Crawford shrugged off the racial comment and laced a triple in the fifth inning, reaching third without a throw against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.
"That swing felt pretty good. I ran the bases pretty good. Yeah, that felt fine," he said after playing six innings in left and serving as the team's leadoff hitter.
In three games for Portland, Crawford is 4-for-10 with two runs scored and an RBI.
