Major League Baseball drew a line when players wrote Bible verses on their Pride hats.
During a San Francisco Giants Pride Night game, pitchers Landon Roupp, JT Brubaker and Ryan Walker wrote Bible verses on their team-issued hats.
The players referenced Genesis 9:12-16, a passage on the rainbow covenant.
MLB issued a warning to the players, stating the markings violated league uniform policies.
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Former player Roger Clemens addressed the situation during an appearance on “The Will Cain Show,” questioning the league’s enforcement of uniform rules.
Clemens noted that players modify gear without receiving discipline from the league.
“We alter our uniforms all the time with numbers or somebody that has passed away,” Clemens told Cain.
“I know one time in Boston, Larry Bird retired. I put his hat on. They put 33, silver marker on the hat to honor Larry Bird. I did it for my mom and grandmother.”
Clemens argued that players should be permitted to display symbols of faith on the field.
“I love it that these guys show the blessings that the Lord has given them to be out there on that field,” Clemens stated. “That’s the way it was for me.”
To resolve the issue, Clemens suggested MLB apply the same rules it uses for footwear customizations.
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“They do the special cleats where you can paint, do your cleats how you want it,” Clemens said. “Maybe they do something like that and guys can have a hat with a Bible verse. They feel strongly about it.”
The warning from MLB sparked a response beyond the diamond.
U.S. Senator Josh Hawley sent a letter to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, demanding a justification for the warnings and questioning the league’s stance on religious expression.
Clemens concluded by addressing the friction between league initiatives and the personal values of the players on the field.
“Whatever floats your boat. Go for it,” Clemens said. “Don’t bring your ideas towards me then too.”
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