SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Days after several San Francisco Giants pitchers appeared on the mound with bible verses written on their Pride Night caps, Major League Baseball has issued a warning to the team.
The Giants garnered everyone's attention for the wrong reasons during a 5-1 loss to the Chicago Cubs on Friday night, when starter Landen Roupp appeared on the mound with "Gen 9:12-16” written on his Pride Night cap.
San Francisco relievers JT Brubaker and Ryan Walker also added Bible verses to their caps, while Sam Hentges wore the team’s standard black cap with the orange logo instead of the Pride Night version.
Major League Baseball issued a warning to the team, saying writing on the cap violated league rules. They added that the warning was routine and that it had nothing to do with the content of the messages.
"We respect players’ right to free expression. However, writing of any kind, with any message, is prohibited per Major League Baseball’s Uniform Regulations," the league said. "We have given the same warning numerous times in the past to players for messages such as ‘Dad’, ‘Happy Mother’s Day, I Love Mom,’ and names of family members."
The Giants stated the incident, acknowledging that the players' actions may have caused "pain and anger" amongst the LGBTQIA+ community.
Giants Manager Tony Vitello said he wasn't aware the players would be going onto the field with bible verses written on their hats. He said individuals had the "freedom to do what they think is best" and that the Giants, as an organization, have always embraced the entire community.
"Baseball should be a place where everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued," Giants officials told The San Francisco Standard. "We also respect that individuals may make personal choices about participating in team activations."
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Treinen also caught everyone's attention last week when he refused to wear the Dodger Pride Night hat, opting instead to wear the team's standard cap.
AP News contributed to this report.
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