MLB decries use of personal writings on Pride Night hats

Major League Baseball on Monday decried the use of personal writings on
any team-issued Pride Night hats after members of the San Francisco
Giants had Bible verses etched into their caps during Friday night's
game against the Chicago Cubs. 

In a statement to multiple outlets, MLB chief communications officer Pat
Courtney said, "The writing on the cap violates our rules, and
consistent with normal practice, we have warned the players about future
violations." 

San Francisco's Landen Roupp, a 27-year-old right-hander from Rocky
Mount, North Carolina, started and pitched 4? innings with "Gen 9:12-16"
on the front of his hat. Roupp spoke to reporters after the 5-1 loss
about his decision, and he was adamant that "there's no hate at all.

"It's just about God's covenant and a promise that he makes to us that,
you know, his faithfulness and his mercy. That's just kind of something
I believe in, and I stand firm in that," he added. "And I'm thankful we
live in a country where, you know, we have the freedom to believe what
we want, and express what we want." 

JT Brubaker, a 32-year-old righty from Springfield, Ohio, and Ryan
Walker, a 30-year-old righty from Arlington, Washington, made relief
appearances in the loss with Bible verses on their hats. 

When asked how he'd explain to people who might be offended by his
decision, Roupp added that "as a believer, I would push them to read the
Bible. God has blessed me in so many ways, and I don't think I'd be here
right now if it wasn't for him." 

In his first season as an MLB manager, San Francisco's Tony Vitello was
asked about his pitchers' decisions after the loss, and he pointed to
the "general knowledge of the individuals have the freedom to do what
they think is best." 

"But I do think it's been apparent from Day 1, actually, even some of
the exhibition games, it's pretty impressive how the Giants, as an
organization, try and embrace the entire community," he added. "We don't
want to be divided, but you can divide it up into certain sections, if
you know what I mean." 

Also in the loss, reliever Sam Hentges, a 29-year-old lefty from
Shoreview, Minnesota, took the mound without the Pride Night hat. He
wore San Francisco's traditional black cap with orange lettering. The
following day in San Francisco, he spoke to reporters about the
decision. 

"It's just something that I feel like I was forced to support when I
don't morally support it. There wasn't hatred behind it. I think that's
kind of something that's misinterpreted," he said. "I don't hate the
LGBTQ community. It's just something I believed and talked with
teammates and family, and they supported it." 

San Francisco first added a Pride component to its uniforms in 2021. A
day after the loss to the Cubs, the Giants issued a statement,
reinforcing their commitment to Pride Nights. 

"The San Francisco Giants are proud to support Pride Night and the
LGBTQ+ community. Baseball should be a place where everyone feels
welcome, respected, and valued. We also respect that individuals may
make personal choices about participating in team activations. 

"We understand that the choices by individual players have caused pain
and anger to many in the LGBTQ+ community and we are sorry for that.
Those choices do not change our organization's commitment to inclusion,
belonging, and creating a welcoming environment for all. We remain
grateful to our fans, partners, employees, players, and coaches who help
make Pride Night a meaningful celebration." 

https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/49079138/mlb-decries-use-personal-wri
tings-pride-night-hats