Three pitchers on the San Francisco Giants were issued a warning after they appeared at the team's Pride Night game with Bible verses scrawled on their caps.
Starting pitcher Landen Roupp and relievers J.T. Brubaker and Ryan Walker wore the rainbow-themed hats at Friday's game — with some alterations. Right-hander Roupp started the game with “Gen 9:12-16” written on his cap, with the end of the verse continuing into the rainbow “SF” logo. Brubaker and Walker sported the same verse. Brubaker's was written on the front of his cap, but did not touch the rainbow logo, while Walker's was scribbled on the side of his hat. Meanwhile, teammate and reliever Sam Hentges did not wear the Pride cap, instead opting for the team's regular hat.
“The writing on the cap violates our rules, and consistent with normal practice, we have warned the players about future violations,” Pat Courtney, MLB's chief communications officer, said in a statement to Outsports.
Roupp stands by his stance
The verse has been used by some Christians as a way to “claim” the rainbow for their religion in response to its use as a symbol of the LGBTQ+ community. “The rainbow is a symbol of God's covenant to us, and us as believers to stand firm in that,” Roupp told reporters after the team's 6-1 loss to the Chicago Cubs. “There's no hate at all. It's just what I stand for and what I stand in. I believe in God, and that's me.” He later reiterated his “no hate” stance, adding, “We live in a country where you're welcome to believe what you want. There's a freedom of speech and stuff like that, so that's really all I have to say about that. I'm just thankful that God has put me in this situation and that I can go out and share his kingdom.”
Giants manager Tony Vitello was also asked whether he was aware of what his players were planning, to which he simply responded, “Not really.” “I mean, just kind of a general knowledge of the individuals have the freedom to do what they think is best,” he noted. “But I do think it's been apparent from day one, actually, even some of the exhibition games, it's pretty impressive how the Giants, as an organization, try and embrace the entire community.”
The Giants, who currently hold a 29-43 record and sit second-last in the National League West division, issued a statement following the game emphasizing their support for the Pride event and the LGBTQ+ community. “Baseball should be a place where everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued,” the statement read. “We also respect that individuals may make personal choices about participating in team activations.” The statement continued: “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.”
No thank you, says Texas
Since the early 2000s, almost all MLB clubs have adopted annual theme nights to recognize and welcome LGBTQ+ fans. In Texas, it has been more than 20 years since the Rangers hosted a Pride Night. Instead, on Friday, they will celebrate Faith and Family Day when they host the Minnesota Twins. The game will feature testimonies from players including Wyatt Langford, Josh Jung, Cody Bradford, Jacob Latz and Jalen Beeks, who will share “how faith impacts their lives both on and off the field,” according to the team's website. For what it's worth, the Houston Astros have hosted a Faith and Family Night for years — in addition to their annual Pride Night celebrations.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott took to X to slam the league for its actions against the Giants pitchers. “The Texas Rangers are the only team in Major League Baseball that doesn't host a Pride Night,” he wrote. “In Texas, we don't punish people for living out their faith. We protect that right.”
