In all my years of taking shoe shots as the #Keezcam of Athletes in pro sports these game spikes worn by Pittsburg Pirates SS @oneilcruz_04 were very disturbing and offensive to me. I’m well aware that in certain Latin American countries the word “Monkey” or “El Mono” are used as terms of endearment amongst family and friends, but here in the United States it’s very cringe worthy to see a Black Man in Major League Baseball with the potential of having a promising career in the game being marketed as the “Monkey” or “El Mono” as his Star rises in the game. I was really disgusted by the artwork of these spikes and pondered even posting these shoes, but I truly believe this should be a teachable moment for this talented young man to understand how offensive and divisive and a major distraction this could be for him and the game. I truly believe this kid can be an enormous star for the Pirates and a game changer for the game of Baseball. @oneilcruz_04 I truly hope you destroy those shoes and throw them in the trash where they belong and that you will NEVER let anyone address you by the name “Monkey” or “El Mono” ever again my brother. We CAN’T and will absolutely NOT accept that. Wishing you nothing but the absolute best my brother, stay focused cause you’re going to be a fun watch for years to come. #Keezcam #Keezonsports #mlb #baseball #pittsburgh #newyork #citifield #love #family #dominicanrepublic