MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred Addresses Bible Verses On Pride Night Hats

Major League Baseball (MLB) Commissioner Rob Manfred clarified that San Francisco Giants players who wrote Bible verses on their Pride Night hats will not face fines or discipline. He defended the league’s uniform policy amid the controversy.

In a letter dated June 19 to Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., Manfred explained that MLB’s office issued a routine oral warning to the Giants players. The warning was given before it was understood that players were not clearly informed they could wear regular caps instead. No fines or discipline will be imposed.

Giants pitcher Landen Roupp inscribed “Genesis 9:12-16” on his Pride Night cap. Meanwhile, reliever Sam Hentges opted for the team’s standard cap during the game.

Senator Hawley questioned MLB’s actions as religious discrimination, sending Manfred a letter seeking clarification on warnings given to players expressing their Christian faith through Bible verses during Pride Night.

The controversy gained attention after Giants pitchers Landen Roupp, JT Brubaker, and Ryan Walker wrote Bible verses on their caps during the June 12 Pride Night game. MLB initially stated that the writing violated league rules against altering uniforms or equipment.

Manfred’s letter to Hawley outlined the policy, negotiated with the MLB Players Association, prohibiting players from adding messages to apparel. The rule aims to prevent players from using uniforms for political or social messaging, understanding these could offend fans.

MLB recognizes that some players might not feel comfortable wearing Pride symbols due to religious beliefs. Manfred emphasized MLB’s efforts to avoid requiring participation in events conflicting with players’ values.

This incident isn’t MLB’s first with Pride-themed uniforms; Rays players declined to wear Pride logos in 2022, and former Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw inscribed a Bible verse on a Pride cap last season.

MLB’s 2023 policy restricts clubs from using special uniforms for celebration days, reserving exceptions for honoring deceased members or baseball milestones. However, Dodgers and Giants were granted exceptions to use Pride emblems due to their large LGBTQ fan bases.

MLB required no player or staff member be forced to wear Pride gear, ensuring players’ comfort. Manfred noted inadequate communication from the Giants, leading to misunderstandings among players about their options.

MLB supports players and fans expressing religious beliefs while embracing diverse fan communities, including the LGBTQ community. The league will uphold its ban on uniform alterations but work on policies respecting players’ and fans’ values.