The frustration of New York Yankees fans hit an alarming low when threats were directed at the family of starting pitcher Carlos Rodon following his playoff start against the Kansas City Royals. Rodon, who signed a six-year, $162 million contract with the Yankees ahead of the 2023 season, struggled in Game 2 of the ALDS, allowing four runs over just 3.2 innings in a 4-2 loss. Instead of constructive criticism, some fans took their anger to social media, targeting Rodon’s wife, Ashley, with vile and threatening messages.
According to a report from The New York Daily News, Ashley Rodon received several disturbing direct messages on Instagram. The messages included threats of violence against their children, slurs aimed at Carlos, and even knife emojis. Ashley, who is active on social media, initially shared her shock, posting, “DM’s already willlllld. I love interacting with everyone, but there’s no place for this s—,” adding that while she can handle most messages, threats involving her children cross a line.
Carlos expressed both frustration and sadness upon learning about the threats after the game. “People are pretty disgusting at times… I don’t think that’s who Yankees fans are,” he said, stressing that while fans have the right to feel frustrated by performance, it’s essential to remember, “we are human as well… Let’s not forget that this is ultimately just a game of baseball, and it doesn’t come down to hurting and sending out negative messages and threatening people’s families.”
The threats came in response to a post Ashley shared about the Carlos Rodon Foundation, which she and Carlos founded to make fertility treatments more accessible. The cause is close to their hearts, as the couple endured two miscarriages before having their three children.
The incident has cast a dark shadow over fan behavior, with many calling for greater accountability on social media. Carlos’s message is a reminder that sports are meant to unite rather than incite hostility, especially when families are dragged into the fray.
