June 2 (UPI) -- Arizona Diamondbacks television analyst Bob Brenly apologized for an "insensitive" comment he made about New York Mets pitcher Marcus Stroman's headwear during Tuesday night's game at Chase Field in Phoenix.
The 67-year-old Brenly, the former World Series-winning manager who now calls D-Backs games for Bally Sports Arizona, made a joke about Stroman's attire in the fourth inning of Tuesday's contest.
"Pretty sure that's the same do-rag that Tom Seaver used to wear when he pitched for the Mets," Brenly cracked during the broadcast.
After the game, Stroman posted a series of tweets about the incident and said that Brenly's comment had "racist undertones."
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Stroman, who is Black and has been a vocal leader in MLB on issues concerning race and social justice, also shared multiple tweets from Twitter users who called out Brenly for "racism."
"Onward and upward," Stroman wrote on social media. "Through all adversity and racist undertones. The climb continues through all!"
In response to the backlash, Brenly issued a statement on social media before Wednesday's game between the Diamondbacks and Mets.
"During [Tuesday] night's game, I made a poor attempt at humor that was insensitive and wrong," the statement read. "I apologize to Marcus Stroman and have reached out directly to share those thoughts.
"I have had several conversations with the D-Backs and we agree that seeking sensitivity training is an important step so I can continue to learn from my mistakes in order to be better in the future."
Also Wednesday, Mets manager Luis Rojas called Brenly's comment "completely inappropriate."
"I was very disappointed when I heard it," Rojas said. "If it was like a joke or something, I didn't get it. That was my initial reaction to it. I think it's completely inappropriate."
Stroman was the Mets' starting pitcher in the team's 6-5 loss to the Diamondbacks on Tuesday. He gave up seven hits and three runs over six innings and recorded six strikeouts.
