The San Francisco Giants better be on the field when the national anthem is playing.
The team’s new captain, Bob Melvin, He told Bob Nightengale of USA Today. A new policy will go into effect this season, requiring everyone in the dugout to be on the field when “The Star-Spangled Banner” is played.
It’s a significant change from the Giants’ approach under Gabe Kapler, but Melvin insisted the decision had nothing to do with politics.
“Look, we’re a new team here. We’ve got some good players here,” Melvin told the outlet. “It’s more about letting the other side know we’re ready to play.” I want the guys here to get ready to go. It has its own personality.
“It has nothing to do with what happened in the past. It’s just something I accept.”
Melvin said this is something he’s done in other places he’s managed, including Oakland and San Diego, and was part of creating a sense of everyone being in this together.
“I want my team to be ready to play, and I want other teams to realize that, too,” Melvin said. “It’s that simple. They accept it.”
However, some may still view the change as some kind of political statement, as Kapler’s decision not to participate in the national anthem made headlines.
The former coach decided not to take the field for the national anthem in 2022 in the wake of the mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas.
“Until I feel better about the direction of our country, I will not continue to sing the national anthem.” Kepler told reporters. About his decision at the time.
Kapler also knelt during the national anthem in 2020 to protest the killing of George Floyd.
