The Texas Rangers have drawn national attention this month as the only team in Major League Baseball that does not host an annual “Pride Night.”
The Athletic highlighted the issue in a recent article for its online publication, reporting that the Rangers are the only major sports team in the Dallas-Fort Worth area that does not put on a “Pride” celebration.
The Rangers did host an unofficial “Pride Night” in 2003, which was met with backlash from fans at the time. Since then, the team has sponsored other LGBTQ+ events, such as the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance (NAGAAA) Softball World Series.
“Our commitment is to make everyone feel welcome and included in Rangers baseball,” the team has told multiple media outlets. “That means in our ballpark, at every game, and in all we do – for both our fans and our employees. We deliver on that promise across our many programs to have a positive impact across our entire community.”
The Dallas Express contacted the Rangers for further clarification but did not receive a response.
The attention on the Rangers as a noteworthy exception comes on the heels of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ much-publicized Pride Night fiasco.
The club, partially owned by Fort Worth businessman Bobby Patton Jr., initially invited a controversial LGBTQ+ group to perform, only to disinvite the group amid pushback from fans and allegations that the organization amounted to an “anti-Catholic hate group.” The Dodgers then reinvited the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence after a national outcry from LGBTQ+ activists.
Texas is slated to host the 2024 All-Star Game. While Major League Baseball has intervened in circumstances involving controversial political matters in the past, there is no indication that the league is considering moving that game.
The MLB has not responded to requests for comment or confirmation on the matter.
The Texas Rangers continue their season on Tuesday night in Chicago against the Chicago White Sox.
