NEW YORK — Jason McLeod acknowledged “the national tragedy” and “unavoidable” topic after the Cubs selected Charleston Southern University outfielder Chris Singleton in the 19th round of the Major League Baseball draft.
Almost exactly two years ago, Singleton showed remarkable poise, sending the “love is always stronger than hate” message after his mother, Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, died in the mass shooting at a historic African-American church in South Carolina.
Missing you every second of everyday. I'm the person that I am because of you. Happy Mothers Day Ma, I LOVE YOU. #CantLetMomsDown pic.twitter.com/0PCBGH2Rhp
— Chris Singleton (@csingleton__2) May 14, 2017
But McLeod, a senior Cubs executive who oversees scouting and player development, doesn’t think that Charleston hate crime will completely define Singleton.