While a strategy was flowed among players to present a show of unity during Opening Day events, kneeling throughout the anthem was a separate choice based on specific choice. The Giants technique was previewed during their exhibition games earlier in the week, when Kapler and select gamers opted to kneel throughout the anthem.
Many players then rose to their feet before the singing of the anthem, performed by gospel singer Keith Williams Jr., a semi-regular performer at Dodger Stadium. Before Williams hit the very first note, Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts eliminated his hat and knelt, the only Dodger to kneel throughout the anthem. Minutes later, colleagues Max Muncy and Cody Bellinger, both standing, put a hand on each of Betts shoulders in a program of support.
Players used Black Lives Matter T-shirts during batting practice, and video game uniforms included spots that stated “Black Lives Matter” and “United for Change.” The pitchers mound at the Giants-Dodgers video game, along with the opener in between the Nationals and Yankees in Washington, D.C., showed a stencil of the inverted MLB logo design depicting a Black gamer, with the message “BLM.”.
“Even their team– even the Giants– I definitely tip my cap to the support.
The majority of players then rose to their feet before the singing of the anthem, performed by gospel singer Keith Williams Jr., a semi-regular entertainer at Dodger Stadium. Prior to Williams struck the very first note, Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts eliminated his hat and knelt, the only Dodger to kneel throughout the anthem. Moments later on, teammates Max Muncy and Cody Bellinger, both standing, put a hand on each of Betts shoulders in a show of support.
The pregame event prior to the Giants-Dodgers season opener at Dodger Arena on Thursday consisted of a number of poignant minutes, culminating with numerous players kneeling during the singing of the nationwide anthem.
All uniformed personnel took a knee during a planned demonstration that started with players clutching a 200-yard black material as
Alyson Footer is a nationwide reporter for MLB.com. Follow her on Twitter @alysonfooter.
Raised public consciousness around racial and social justice has belonged to the national discussion all summer season in the wake of the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis law enforcement officer over Memorial Day weekend.
On the Giants side, numerous chose to kneel through the anthem, including supervisor Gabe Kapler, infielder Pablo Sandoval, and outfielders Mike Yastrzemski, Jaylin Davis and Hunter Pence, to name a few.
Were all here for change,” Betts stated. “Even their team– even the Giants– I certainly tip my cap to the support. We have a great group of guys here, were all supportive of each other.
All uniformed personnel took a knee throughout a planned demonstration that began with gamers clutching a 200-yard black material as a show of unity, followed by an extended minute of silence prior to the anthem.
The pregame ceremony prior to the Giants-Dodgers season opener at Dodger Stadium on Thursday included a number of poignant moments, culminating with numerous gamers kneeling throughout the singing of the nationwide anthem.
