MLB Enforces Uniform Policy After Giants Pitchers Add Bible Verses to Pride Night Caps

On June 20, 2026, during a Pride Night game between the San Francisco Giants and the Chicago Cubs, three Giants pitchers—Landen Roupp, JT Brubaker and Ryan Walker—wore team-issued caps bearing the Bible verse “Gen 9:12-16.” The Giants lost 5-1, with Roupp pitching 4 2/3 innings. MLB responded by publicly condemning the modifications and issuing warnings to the players.

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Landen Roupp, a 27-year-old right-hander from North Carolina, told reporters his choice reflected personal faith, saying there is “no hate at all” and urging others to read the Bible. JT Brubaker (32) and Ryan Walker (30) also displayed verses on their caps. Former Dodgers star Clayton Kershaw, who wrote the same verse on a Pride cap in 2025, was questioned about prior league warnings.

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Pat Courtney, MLB’s chief communications officer, said the writing “violates our rules” and that the league had warned the pitchers consistent with normal practice. Giants manager Tony Vitello emphasized that players have the freedom to act as they see fit, while also noting the league’s commitment to supporting the LGBTQ community. MLB officials indicated they had previously warned Clayton Kershaw about similar cap modifications, though no record of a warning to him was confirmed.

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LGBTQ advocacy groups condemned the use of biblical text on Pride Night caps as contrary to the event’s inclusive intent. Vice President JD Vance publicly expressed concern, adding a political dimension to the debate and urging respect for the league’s diversity initiatives.

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Sources differ on whether MLB issued a warning to Clayton Kershaw for his 2025 Pride cap, and the league’s detailed policy on personal writings on team-issued apparel has not been disclosed.

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• “The writing on the cap violates our rules, and consistent with normal practice, we have warned the players about future violations.” — Pat Courtney, MLB chief communications officer

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• “there's no hate at all. It's just what I stand for, and what I stand on: I believe in God.” — Landen Roupp, San Francisco Giants pitcher

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• “as a believer, I would push them to read the Bible. God has blessed me in so many ways, and I don't think I'd be here right now if it wasn't for him.” — Landen Roupp, San Francisco Giants pitcher

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MLB warned that further violations could trigger disciplinary action, suggesting additional warnings or penalties may be applied in upcoming games, while the broader conversation about religious expression on Pride Night apparel is expected to continue in media and league forums.

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