MLB Issues Warning to Giants Players Over Bible Quotes and Then Retracts It

Major League Baseball (MLB) has acknowledged a misstep in warning a player from the San Francisco Giants regarding a Bible verse displayed on his cap. The league initially threatened disciplinary action against pitchers Landen Loup, JT Brubaker, and Ryan Walker for incorporating variations of Genesis 9:12-16 on their caps in a statement of support for transgender rights and other sexual identities.

The league clarified that “the players were not fined or disciplined and will not be fined in the future.”

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Missouri) criticized MLB’s actions. In a letter dated June 16, he pointed out the league’s past support for Black Lives Matter and remarked on the apparent hypocrisy of the warning issued to the Giants pitchers.

In response, MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred communicated with Hawley, sharing that there had been confusion regarding the players’ options about wearing Pride hats. Manfred noted that communication from the Giants regarding this choice was “insufficient and unclear,” indicating that some players weren’t aware they could opt for the standard Giants cap instead.

The commissioner’s office admitted that “unfortunately” regular verbal warnings were issued prior to realizing the Giants’ “lack of communication.”

Manfred reassured Hawley that “athletes should not be forced to participate in celebratory events” if it conflicted with their personal religious beliefs.

Moreover, an MLB manager later confirmed that the players wouldn’t face any fines moving forward.

In the same correspondence, Manfred specified that only the Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers were permitted to wear special Pride-themed hats during games. Although MLB announced restrictions on unlicensed hats for 2023, the Giants managed to seek and obtain permission to dispense with the Pride hat.

Manfred explained the rationale behind the “Pride Night” hats, highlighting that the city hosts “some of the largest LGBTQ communities in the United States.” Despite this, he reiterated that players were not obligated to wear them.

On another note, Manfred referred to other events celebrating various faiths, religions, ethnicities, and nationalities at MLB venues, asserting that while the league does not regulate these gatherings, it also does not permit teams or players to alter uniforms or use specific equipment for such occasions.

Nevertheless, the league mandates uniform changes for 12 designated events each season, including Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Military Weekend, and others.

Manfred concluded by mentioning that the league hadn’t received significant complaints from fans or players at the time regarding these matters.