Major League Baseball has cautioned players against writing on their caps after several Giants pitchers wrote Bible verses on their Pride Night hats during a game Friday.
“The writing on the cap violates our rules, and consistent with normal practice, we have warned the players about future violations,” the league said in a statement.
The Giants—the first MLB team to incorporate Pride elements into their uniforms—wore hats with rainbow colors on the logo for Friday’s game against the Cubs. Starting pitcher Landen Roupp and relievers JT Brubaker and Ryan Walker wrote the Bible verse “Genesis 9:11–16” on their caps next to the logo, while Sam Hentges wore the standard Giants cap without the rainbow colors. All four appeared in the game.
The verses referenced rainbows, stating that God will never flood the earth and that a rainbow will be a symbol of that promise.
Roupp told reporters after the game that he meant “no hate” with his actions. Asked what he would say to anyone who took offense with it, Roupp said:
“First of all, as a believer, I would push them to read the Bible. I think God has blessed me in so many ways, and I don’t think I would be here right now if it wasn’t for him. So, like I said, there’s no hate in it at all. We live in a country where you’re welcome to believe what you want. There’s a freedom of speech and stuff like that, so that’s really all I have to say about that. I’m just thankful that God has put me in this situation and that I can go out and share his kingdom.”
Hentges told reporters he didn’t wear the cap because he felt like he was “forced to support when I don’t morally support it.”
“There wasn’t hatred behind it. I think that’s kind of something that’s misinterpreted. I don’t hate the LGBTQ community. It’s just something I believed and talked with teammates and family, and they supported it.”
The Giants apologized to fans but defended their players’ behavior.
“The San Francisco Giants are proud to support Pride Night and the LGBTQ+ community. Baseball should be a place where everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued,” the team said in a statement. “We also respect that individuals may make personal choices about participating in team activations.
“We understand that the choices by individual players have caused pain and anger to many in the LGBTQ+ community and we are sorry for that. Those choices do not change our organization’s commitment to inclusion, belonging, and creating a welcoming environment for all. We remain grateful to our fans, partners, employees, players, and coaches who help make Pride Night a meaningful celebration.”
Of the 30 MLB teams, 29 have a special Pride Night this month for the 2026 season. The Rangers are the only team that doesn’t hold a Pride-themed celebration.
