Giants fans criticize team's response to Pride Night controversy
San Francisco Giants supporters expressed disappointment with the organization’s handling of the Pride Night incident, while the team faced criticism from both LGBTQ+ advocates and conservative groups.
San Francisco fans gathered at Oracle Park for the Giants' first home game since the Pride Night dispute went national, many wearing rainbow apparel to signal support for the LGBTQ+ community. The crowd’s frustration centered on what they described as a weak and insufficient response from the team after four pitchers altered their hats with Bible verses during the annual Pride celebration, prompting a Major League Baseball reprimand.
"I thought it was weak and lackluster. It was not an apology. When it comes to apologies, you don’t kind-of apologize," said Albert Cromedy, a gay Black resident of Mission Bay.
"I think it’s really lacking and disappointing," added Kara Wilson, who wore a shirt with a rainbow heart.
The incident sparked a Department of Justice inquiry into alleged religious discrimination and a letter from Republican Sen. Josh Hawley to MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, who defended the league’s warning but said the Giants bore responsibility for unclear communication. The team’s president of baseball operations, Buster Posey, held a press conference but declined to answer questions beyond baseball matters.
Fans organized informal protests outside the stadium, displaying signs such as “Bad and bigoted” and “No bigots in SF,” some incorporating Bible verses that emphasize love. Several attendees, including longtime fan Bryan Beresford, expressed sadness that religion was being used to marginalize people.
"It’s embarrassing. I’ve been a fan my whole life and this is the first time I’ve felt ashamed to be a Giants fan," said Robert, a longtime supporter from the Outer Sunset.
Other fans, like the Carlock father-son duo, wore Pride gear and urged the organization to publicly address the players’ actions and reaffirm its support for the queer community.
Despite the controversy, the Giants defeated the Oakland Athletics 3-1 before a sold-out crowd of more than 40,000, but many attendees said the episode has tarnished what they consider a “happy place.”