Im honored to be a part of the Black community in MLB the one that Jackie created and the one that we are continuing, Fowler said in the statement.

Speaking to the media before the game, the 34-year-old Fowler said, Obviously, the past few days have been pretty emotional. I wanted to play baseball but some things are better than baseball. African Americans in this country have been hurting for some time, and I took that day just to bring awareness.

Fowler said he also went through some emotions driving home that night while his team was preparing to play the Kansas City Royals. And, then when he got home, his 6-year-old daughter, Naya, had a burning question for him.

Daddy, why arent you playing tonight?

I had to explain that to her, said Fowler, and she goes, Thats not right. For a 6-year-old to realize the difference between right and wrong definitely hits home.

Fowler said he had talked to his father about his decision not to play. Hes one of the guys I lean on all the time and he said, I think youre making the right decision. With that, I went on and did it, Fowler said.

Hopefully, the conversation keeps going.

Asked whether he had personal experience of racial injustice, Fowler, who grew up in the Atlanta area, said, Thats for a whole another day.

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Fowler says he 'put my money where my mouth is' - STLtoday.com