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Baseball fans accused Major League Baseball (MLB) of dropping the ball after the league threatened to punish San Francisco Giants players who wrote Bible verses on their caps during the team's “Pride Night.”
Fox News Digital spoke with Texas Rangers fans at the team's “Faith and Family” game on Thursday to get their reactions as Major League Baseball faces growing questions over its response, with critics saying the league's embrace of social causes continues to alienate its fans.
The Rangers are currently the only MLB franchise not to host an official Pride Night, instead choosing to host their annual Faith and Family Night event at Globe Life Field. Many in attendance celebrated this family-friendly, community-oriented event.
“I'm so thankful that the Rangers recognize family, faith, and everything that's good about this country,” said Terry from Bedford, Texas.
San Francisco Giants pitcher Landen Roupp wrote “Genesis 9:12-16” on his Pride-Night-themed hat. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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However, the ongoing controversy surrounding the San Francisco Giants was top of mind for many Texas fans.
The backlash follows last Friday's incident where three Giants players – Landen Roupp, JT Brubaker, and Ryan Walker – wrote a quote from Genesis 9 on their franchise “Pride Night” caps. The verses speak of the rainbow as a sign of God's covenant with humanity that it will not flood the earth again, as described in the Bible.
Major League Baseball issued a statement following the incident, asserting that the players violated uniform rules and warning them against future violations. The San Francisco Giants also released a statement affirming the team's support for Pride Night and the LGBTQ+ community, apologizing for the actions of its players and saying they “caused pain and anger to many in the LGBTQ+ community.”
Rangers fans expressed strong support for the Giants players' right to express their faith.
“I don't think they should be punished for putting Bible verses on their hats when they are told to put Pride logos on their hats,” said Nathan.
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The Texas Rangers take batting practice before facing the San Francisco Giants at Globe Life Field on June 8, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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Todd, of Waxahachie, Texas, agreed with the players' message of faith and felt the league should support free speech.
“I think it's about refocusing on what the rainbow means; it's a promise from God that he won't flood the earth again,” he said. “So, I think it also supports freedom of speech.”
Some fans from across the Lone Star State echoed those sentiments.
Chance from Dallas said he does not support punishing players for expressing their beliefs.
“I don't think they should be fined for it or anything,” he said.
“I hate how they get themselves into trouble for doing that,” admitted Zant, of Midland.
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Rangers fans have also expressed concern that the league is unfairly targeting Christian players.
“Everybody has their own beliefs, their own religious system, whether it's Pride Month or religious beliefs,” said Emily from Rockwall, Texas. “And I think we should all be allowed to stand up for what we believe in.”
Christopher of Fort Worth called MLB's actions “unfair,” while Todd of Waxahachie, felt the league was dealing with “social pressures.”
“In a way, I feel that they are complying with public pressure,” he said. “I think if we really believe in living in the land of the free, the home of the brave, people should be brave enough and free enough to stand up for what they believe in.”
Texas Rangers fans say they support San Francisco Giants players who wore Bible verses on their caps on Pride Night and were reprimanded by MLB. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images/Fox News Digital)
Terry added that baseball should stick to baseball.
“We don't stop these controversies in sports. We're all here to enjoy baseball the way it should be.”
MLB and the Giants did not immediately return Fox News Digital's request for comment.
MLB isn't the only major league that is drawing attention for its controversies with athletes with its “Pride Night” events this month.
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On Thursday, professional baseball's Atlantic League's York Revolution said it would abandon its Thursday game after players refused to wear LGBTQ-themed jerseys on the league's Pride Night. The team also issued a strong statement criticizing its players who refused to wear jerseys and said it would donate $10,000 to the LGBTQ organization, “as a small token of our regret for the last minute change of plans and support for LGBTQIA+ representing our partners.”
Fox News' Alba Cuebas-Fantauzzi and Adam Pack contributed to this report.
