Senator Hawley asks MLB commissioner for clarification on uniform policy after players write Bible verses on Pride Night caps

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to MLB commissioner Rob Manfred on Tuesday requesting an explanation for the league’s recent warning to players who wrote Bible verses on their caps during the San Francisco Giants’ Pride Night. Hawley said the incident “appears to be a pattern of discrimination within MLB against baseball players who profess their Christian faith.”

MLB’s chief communications officer Pat Courtney said the league’s policy is “consistent with normal practice” and that the writing on the caps violates uniform rules, prompting a warning that future violations could result in disciplinary action.

Giants pitchers Landen Roupp, JT Brubaker and Ryan Walker each took the field with Bible verses on their caps, while reliever Sam Hentges wore the team’s standard cap instead of the rainbow-colored version used by most teammates. Hentges was allowed to pitch in the 5-1 loss to the Chicago Cubs, though it is unclear whether he received a warning.

The Giants issued a statement acknowledging that the players’ actions caused “pain and anger” in the LGBTQ+ community and apologizing for the impact. The team reiterated its support for Pride Night and its commitment to inclusion, belonging and a welcoming environment for all fans and participants.