MLB Warns Players Against Adding Personal Messages to Uniforms

Major League Baseball has issued a warning to players following an incident involving San Francisco Giants pitcher Landen Roupp and two other pitchers who added Bible verses to their Pride Night caps.

During the game against the Chicago Cubs, Roupp wore a cap marked with “Gen 9:12-16,” which partially covered the rainbow SF logo designed for Pride Night. Pitchers JT Brubaker and Ryan Walker also displayed Bible verses on their caps. Additionally, Giants pitcher Sam Hentges chose to wear the standard black cap with the orange logo, as opposed to the Pride-themed version.

MLB addressed the situation with a warning regarding potential violations of the league’s uniform policy. The league stated, “The writing on the cap violates our rules and consistent with normal practice we have warned the players about future violations.” The clarification came from MLB on Tuesday, emphasizing the non-disciplinary nature of the warning and distancing it from the content of the verses.

“To be clear, this routine verbal warning not to wear the hat in future games is not disciplinary and had absolutely nothing to do with the content of the message,” MLB said.

MLB underscored its respect for player self-expression but pointed out that writing or displaying any messages on apparel violates the Uniform Regulations. These regulations stipulate that players cannot write or affix messages on their attire or gear. Warnings have been previously issued for similar expressions, including messages celebrating Mother’s Day or family names.

Hosting Pride Nights is a tradition across MLB teams during the regular season to show support for LGBTQ+ fans. Given that the season overlaps with Pride Month in June, MLB has been proactive in integrating Pride celebrations, including rainbow decorations and events featuring community leaders and drag performers.

The verse selected by Roupp referenced Genesis, highlighting God’s promise involving a rainbow as a sign of the covenant to never again flood the world. Roupp stated his belief in this message and expressed gratitude for the right to freedom of expression in the country.

Giants manager Tony Vitello noted that there was no prior conversation with the pitchers about their choice to write on the caps. He remarked that it is a common understanding among players to act based on personal beliefs.