Former MLB player and manager Joe Girardi expressed concern over the increasing divisiveness of politics in the United States, describing it as the most "disturbing" aspect of the current political landscape.
"I think politics unfortunately has become a hot button for the United States of America unfortunately and it separates us — before where I felt it didn't separate us. That's the most disturbing," Girardi told Fox News Digital in a recent interview.
Girardi, who spent 15 seasons as a player and nearly 14 years as a manager in Major League Baseball, noted a shift in how politics permeated clubhouses during his career. He observed that conversations about politics became more frequent toward the end of his time as a manager compared to the beginning.
As a manager, Girardi said he advised players to practice patience and respect when discussing differing viewpoints. "I would just tell guys to be patient and listen to each other and understand that you're going to have different views and just be respectful. I mean, you don't have to have the same view. We all grew up different. That's the bottom line, different backgrounds. And just be patient with each other," he stated.
Despite the increased political discussion, Girardi believes that politics does not typically become a problem within a baseball clubhouse. He attributes this to a shared objective. "I don't think it really becomes a problem in too many clubhouses because I think there's a common goal and they find a way to come together with a common goal and that's to win," Girardi said.
Girardi's extensive baseball career includes three World Series championships as a player and one as a manager of the New York Yankees. He also managed the Miami Marlins and the Philadelphia Phillies.