Joe Girardi, a 61-year-old former Major League Baseball catcher and manager, has expressed concern about the growing political divisions in the United States. Girardi, who won three World Series titles as a player and one as a manager with the New York Yankees, described the current political climate as "disturbing."

Reflecting on his long career in baseball, Girardi noted that politics has become a "hot button" issue that now separates Americans in ways it did not before. He observed that toward the end of his managerial career, there were "absolutely" more conversations about politics in the clubhouse compared to earlier in his playing days.

Despite this, Girardi does not believe politics generally causes problems within team clubhouses. He told Fox News Digital on behalf of Perfect Game, "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's playing career spanned 15 seasons, including stints with the Chicago Cubs, Colorado Rockies, New York Yankees, and St. Louis Cardinals. He then managed for nearly 14 years, primarily with the Yankees.

As a manager, Girardi encouraged players to listen to each other amid differing views, aiming to maintain team unity despite the increased political discussions.

Sources