Blue Jays’ Marcus Stroman, Mother Face Backlash At WBC

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Marcus Stroman will start for the United States in the World Baseball Classic championship game against Puerto Rico tonight. His mother, Adlin Auffant, is being harassed on social media.

Marcus Stroman’s mother has been the target of harassment. This all comes back to early December when Stroman announced he would pitch for the United States over Puerto Rico at the World Baseball Classic. Puerto Rico fans have not taken Stroman’s choice so kindly.

In an interview with Fox Sports, Stroman described the situation and the unfortunate circumstances that his mother has had to deal with, regarding his choice of team for the tournament.

“I know a lot of people have been saying bad things to her, going through the process, on social media,” Stroman told FOX Sports. “That’s my mother.. I stand by her always. She supports me through everything. I don’t respect some of the comments that were made toward my mother.”

The 25-year old Duke University Alumni was born in Medford, New York. His father, Earl, is also American. However, Adlin Auffant is Puerto Rican. Thus making Stroman eligible to play for either one of them.

“I know a lot of people have been saying bad things to her, going through the process, on social media. That’s my mother.. I stand by her always. She supports me through everything. I don’t respect some of the comments that were made toward my mother.”

The incident goes back to September 2013- the last World Baseball Classic. Stroman tweeted his excitement to have the chance to represent Puerto Rico in this year’s WBC before he ultimately changed his mind.

A few days ago, Auffant tweeted about the vulgar comments that were made toward her and Stroman. Eventually, her son made a reply back in support.

It’s weird to think that Stroman could have pitched for the team he is playing against tonight. This will mark Stroman’s second start against Puerto Rico in the past week. He was on the losing end of a 6-5 loss at Petco Park in San Diego in the championship round pool of play.

Stroman will be extra motivated on the mound for the backlash he and his mother have received for choosing the United States over Puerto Rico. It’s the first time the United States has reached the WBC final. It wasn’t an easy route for the United States as they had to battle the Dominican Republic and Japan just to make it to the final.

Stroman will face Seth Lugo, who will start for Puerto Rico at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles at 9 p.m. ET. Tonight is Stroman’s and the United States chance to make America great again, in WBC baseball that is.

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