Thomas Says Remarks Taken Out of Context

An emotional Frank Thomas defended himself Friday against a televised interview and a critical newspaper column that portrayed him as insensitive to the legacy of Jackie Robinson.

The Chicago White Sox first baseman claimed only several seconds of a nearly four-minute interview he did with ESPN in spring training was used. His comments were aired during a town meeting segment hosted by Ted Koppel of ABC’s “Nightline.”

Thomas was asked what Robinson’s legacy meant to young players and whether he thinks about it.

“Not really,” Thomas said. “You know, I’ve got to be honest. I guess I’m more from the new age. I didn’t know much about the history and that part of things.”

Chicago Sun-Times columnist Jay Mariotti on Friday harshly criticized Thomas for his ignorance about Robinson and history of the game.

Thomas then called a news conference to give his side, saying not all his comments were used.

“I’m hurt and embarrassed. I started this interview about the educational process of the young black players of today. And I was saying I was uneducated to the fact until I got to college and read up on Jackie Robinson,” Thomas said.

“I’m hurt because in the remainder of the interview I praised Jackie Robinson. I definitely haven’t forgotten where I came from. . . . If you are going to play something, play the whole interview. Don’t judge me off the opening.”

ESPN spokesman Rob Tobias said he didn’t know how long the interview lasted but that Thomas’ comments were not taken out of context.

“We feel it was an accurate reflection of what he said,” Tobias said.

Thomas said he does know about Robinson and what he still means to black players.

“I owe him and all of us do,” Thomas said. “We’re in a situation now none of us could have dreamed of. He was a pioneer for this game.”

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The Texas Rangers put Mickey Tettleton on the disabled list because of a bruised knee and activated Will Clark, even though he’s several days away from being totally sound.

Clark, sidelined since March 28 because of a sprained left wrist and broken left middle finger, was not in the lineup Friday night against Toronto but was available as a pinch-hitter.

Texas Manager Johnny Oates said Clark could be the designated hitter today “if he improves over the next 24 hours as much as he has over the last 24 hours.”

The best news for the Rangers is that Juan Gonzalez, the 1996 AL most valuable player, is on pace to return in a few weeks after having a torn ligament in his left thumb surgically repaired.

Oates said Gonzalez is ready to move up a notch from slow-speed batting practice.

“He will hit here Sunday morning off regular batting practice and then if he feels like it on Monday we’ll increase the intensity a little bit and see how he handles that,” Oates said. “Right now, he’s putting the ball in the seats pretty regularly off a coach.”

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Toronto Blue Jay catcher Benito Santiago, who hasn’t played since fouling a ball off his left foot last Sunday, went on the 15-day disabled list.

X-rays showed Santiago has no break, only a bruise. He’s hitting .143 with one home run and four runs batted in in seven games. The move is retroactive to Monday.

Catcher Julio Mosquera was recalled from Class-AA Knoxville.

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Japanese pitcher Hideki Irabu, who has insisted he wants to play only for the New York Yankees, may finally get his wish.

Lotte Marines General Manager Mitsumasa Mitsuno told Kyodo News agency that he was willing to allow talks between the 27-year-old pitcher and any major league club.

Previously, Mitsuno has said Irabu’s only choice was to sign with the San Diego Padres, who received exclusive negotiating rights to Irabu from Lotte in January.