Racial slurs at Fenway prompt much-needed conversation

BOSTON -- Adam Jones called it the worst instance of fan abuse in his 12-year major-league career, and for that Boston Red Sox principal owner John Henry made an in-person apology. But there was something good that came out of an ugly night at Fenway Park.

It started a conversation.

On Tuesday, one night after Jones said he heard racial taunts -- including "the N-word a handful of times" -- the Baltimore Orioles center fielder stood in front of a horde of cameras and microphones and talked about race in America -- or at least in America's ballparks.

"It was just the right time. It was something that was on my mind," said Jones, who received a standing ovation before his first at-bat Tuesday…