The Texas Rangers say they are investigating allegations that campers at their West Dallas Youth Academy hurled racially charged taunts at a Black 10-and-under player during a recent team-run camp. The boy’s mother described the episode on social media, writing that her son was mocked while he was at the plate and that she reported what happened to staff members at the facility. Team officials say they are reviewing the situation and stress that this kind of conduct will not be tolerated.
In an Instagram post, Kee West alleged that during a recent 10-and-under camp, two non-Black players targeted her son, calling him a “monkey” and making animal noises as he batted. She wrote that she reported the behavior to coaches and front-office staff, as reported by The Dallas Morning News. West also said that, at the time of her post, no public action or camp-wide statement had been issued.
About the West Dallas Youth Academy
The Rangers' Youth Academy at the Mercy Street Complex offers no-cost, year-round baseball and softball instruction to local children and hosts camps, clinics and leagues that reach thousands of participants, according to the Texas Rangers Youth Academy. The program is part of Major League Baseball's broader academy network, has expanded since opening in 2016 and has received major facility upgrades under MLB's All-Star Legacy initiative. The size and visibility of the academy help explain why any alleged incidents at the site draw attention from parents, neighbors and team officials alike.
What the club said
In a statement, the club said it was investigating the report and noted that the club takes this type of accusation very seriously, and that the alleged conduct will not be tolerated, according to The Dallas Morning News. The Rangers added that, because minors are involved, the organization would have no further comment while the review is underway. The team did not offer a timeline for when the investigation might wrap up or outline specific next steps.
Next steps and community concern
The academy has not announced any program cancellations or schedule changes in connection with the allegation, and the team has not said when its review will conclude. For now, parents and community members are waiting on updates as the Rangers carry out their internal investigation and decide what, if any, follow-up actions to take.
