MLB Players Write Bible Verses on Pride Hats, League Issues Warning
10 reported
Major League Baseball found itself in controversy after three San Francisco Giants players inscribed Bible verses on their Pride night hats, while another player declined to wear the hat altogether. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred stated in 2023 that the league advised teams against putting logos on uniforms to avoid putting players in uncomfortable positions due to personal views. The Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers have continued incorporating Pride uniforms because of a standing agreement. Senator Josh Hawley sent a letter to MLB commissioner Rob Manfred expressing concern over a reported warning to the three players for expressing their Christian faith, alleging a pattern of discrimination. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Harmeet Dhillon referred the league to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for an investigation. MLB stated the verbal warning was routine and not disciplinary, noting that writing of any kind on uniforms is prohibited per league regulations, and that similar warnings have been given for messages like “Dad” and “Happy Mother’s Day.” The league emphasized that the Pride hats were not mandatory, as player Sam Hentges opted out without receiving a warning.
What’s reported
Three San Francisco Giants players—Landen Roupp, J.T. Brubaker, and Ryan Walker—inscribed Bible verses on their Pride night hats.
Another Giants player, Sam Hentges, declined to wear the Pride hat altogether.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in 2023 that the league advised teams against putting logos on uniforms to protect players from discomfort due to personal views.
The Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers have continued incorporating Pride uniforms because of a standing agreement.
Sen. Josh Hawley sent a letter to Manfred expressing concern over a reported warning to the three players for expressing their Christian faith.
Harmeet Dhillon of the U.S. Department of Justice referred the league to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for an investigation.
MLB stated the verbal warning was routine, not disciplinary, and had nothing to do with the content of the message.
MLB said writing of any kind on uniforms is prohibited per uniform regulations, and similar warnings have been given for messages like “Dad” and “Happy Mother’s Day.”
The Pride hats were not mandatory; Hentges opted out and received no verbal warning.
Roupp said after the game, “I’m thankful we live in a country where we have the freedom to believe what we want…and express what we want.”
Key figures
Landen Roupp, San Francisco Giants player
J.T. Brubaker, San Francisco Giants player
Ryan Walker, San Francisco Giants player
Sam Hentges, San Francisco Giants player
Rob Manfred, MLB commissioner
Sen. Josh Hawley (R–Mo.)
Harmeet Dhillon, U.S. Department of Justice
Sources: reason.com
