The superstar pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers took a stand against gay pride festivities on Friday night, continuing a trend that has emerged within the organization over the past few years.
The Dodgers’ Pride Night in 2026, which occurred against the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium, was not without its share of controversy, with the most notable moment coming at the game’s conclusion.
Voices raised, some fans criticized pitcher Blake Treinen’s lack of enthusiasm for the event. As he entered the game in the ninth inning, the announcer proclaimed, “Blake Treinen is coming!” Yet, there was nothing special about his look—he donned a regular Dodgers cap rather than the Pride-themed hat that others wore, leaving some viewers surprised by his choice.
One viewer remarked, “Imagine hating gays so much that you refuse to wear a hat with a rainbow on it.” This sentiment echoed across various social media outlets.
Interestingly, the Dodgers have reduced their promotional activities around specific sexualities this season, opting for simpler ticket packages instead. Yet, they pushed forward with the Pride hat event—now in its fifth iteration—celebrating transgenderism among other themes.
Not everyone agrees with the backlash aimed at Treinen. A baseball account suggested that it was disheartening for a player earning $11 million annually to forgo wearing the team’s uniform, even if just for five minutes.
It’s important to note, however, that opinions vary widely among fans and players. Former Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw has been vocal about his stance on Pride Night, famously writing a Bible verse on his rainbow hat last season. He’s previously expressed discomfort with the team’s choice to invite the contentious anti-Christian activist group, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, to the event, believing they mocked his faith.
This invitation led to protests, indicating just how divisive these celebrations can be. The Dodgers first introduced the Pride hat in 2022, but this marked Treinen’s first time pitching on Pride Night; injuries kept him sidelined during the previous events.
Last year also saw Treinen in the headlines, though for different reasons, as he displayed support for a political figure after their tragic passing during a campus tour. His hat featured a cross on each side, indicating his beliefs.
On Friday, Treinen pitched just one-third of an inning, and the Dodgers emerged victorious with a walk-off home run, winning 1-0.
