Manfred’s letter, dated June 19, addresses concerns raised by Hawley about the selective enforcement of uniform rules, particularly after Giants players added Bible verses to their rainbow Pride-themed caps and the minor league York Revolution forfeited a game rather than force players into rainbow jerseys.
In the Atlantic Minor League, the York Revolution forfeited their June 17 contest against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs after several players refused to wear the Pride Night jerseys, as previously reported by DX. The team later announced a $10,000 donation to a local LGBTQ community center, adding that hosting the Pride event was more important than forcing players who disagreed with the uniform to wear it.
However, a statement from the team’s administration after the forfeit was critical of the player’s decision to exercise their religious rights, reading as follows:
“This decision was not reached lightly. Unfortunately, several of our players have refused to wear the scheduled Pride Night jersey, and the club decided that hosting the event is more important than forcing players to wear jerseys they are not comfortable with and playing the game…To be clear; this action by the players is completely inconsistent with our vision as the Most Welcoming Place in York. As a small token of our regret for the last-minute change of plans and support for our LGBTQIA+ representing partners we are making a $10,000 donation to the Rainbow Rose Center.”
The minor league player’s decision to skip out on the rainbow jerseys came days after a group of MLB players took a stance against the San Francisco Giants’ Pride Night on June 12.
Starting pitcher for the Giants, Landen Roupp, along with relievers J.T. Brubaker and Ryan Walker, wrote “Gen 9:12-16” on their rainbow-logo caps. The verse references God’s covenant with Noah, symbolized by the rainbow. A fourth pitcher, Sam Hentges, declined to wear the rainbow cap entirely and wore the standard-issued hat.
The MLB then issued a warning to each player for violating the rules against their uniforms.
The Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, under Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, later referred the Pride Night baseball controversies to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for a potential religious discrimination investigation.
The referral questioned whether MLB had applied its policies consistently under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, spotlighting the league’s past approval of Black Lives Matter patches – while also scrutinizing Bible verse inscriptions.
Sen. Hawley’s initial letter to Manfred pressed the league on these issues, uniform policies, and expectations around themed nights.
In his reply, Manfred defended MLB’s uniform rules, saying they are applied regardless of the message involved. According to the Commissioner, the policy is designed to keep players from becoming vehicles for “political messages” during games. It has also been previously used to restrict personal tributes, including messages honoring family and friends.
Manfred would go on to attribute the Giants’ “situation” to a “lapse of communication” by the team. Players were allegedly not told they could opt for standard uniforms. He added that, “The players were neither fined nor disciplined, nor will they ever be.”
The Commissioner also stated that MLB’s policy on themed events has changed in recent years.
Since 2023, players apparently have not been required to wear Pride symbols on uniforms or hats during team-sponsored celebrations, per the MLB. Although the Dodgers and Giants were allowed to keep certain Pride-related elements under a grandfathered exception, teams must make sure that participation remains voluntary and does not conflict with players’ religious beliefs. He listed 12 league-wide commemoration days where uniforms may be altered, including Jackie Robinson Day and Roberto Clemente Day, with relaxed rules in some cases.
“We understand that some players or other on-field personnel have not been comfortable wearing the pride emblem on their uniform based on their religious beliefs,” Manfred wrote in his June 19 letter. “Clubs have been advised that participation in any themed uniform elements should remain voluntary.”
The exchange between Hawley and Manfred comes as the Texas Rangers continue as the only MLB team without a Pride Night, instead hosting their Faith and Family Night.
With the DOJ and Republican senators continuing to raise concerns over players’ religious rights, Major League Baseball’s leaders now seem to be trying to balance future Pride Nights with players’ personal beliefs.
The Dallas Express will continue to follow developments.
