<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/baseball" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Baseball</a> legend Willie Mays passed away on Tuesday afternoon, according to the San Francisco Giants. He was 93 years old.
&#8220;It is with great sadness that we announce that San Francisco Giants Legend and Hall of Famer Willie Mays passed away peacefully this afternoon at the age of 93,&#8221; the team said in a statement.
ESPN <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/40382540/legendary-center-fielder-willie-mays-dies-93" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> that Mays had an “unmatched collection of skills” that made him “the greatest center fielder who ever lived.&#8221;
Mays made 24 All-Star teams during his Major League Baseball career — which spanned from 1951 &#8211; 1973 — and finished 6th in all-time home runs (660), 7th in runs scored (2,068), 12th in RBIs (1,909), and 13th in hits (3,293), ESPN reported.
Mays was born on May 6, 1931, in Alabama where he excelled at all the major sports early in life. He began his professional baseball career at only 17 years old when he joined the Birmingham Black Barons while he was still in high school. At 20, he became only the 10th black player in the league&#8217;s history.
He briefly had his career interrupted when he was drafted into the U.S. Army to fight in the Korean War in 1952. He returned to the Giants in 1954.
Willie Mays&#8217; son, Michael Mays, said in a statement: &#8220;My father has passed away peacefully and among loved ones. I want to thank you all from the bottom of my broken heart for the unwavering love you have shown him over the years. You have been his life’s blood.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
There will never be another quite like Willie Mays 🧡 <a href="https://t.co/I95JW1buJF">pic.twitter.com/I95JW1buJF</a>
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) <a href="https://twitter.com/SFGiants/status/1803234068747968680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
&#8220;Today we have lost a true legend,&#8221; said Giants Chairman Greg Johnson in a statement. &#8220;In the pantheon of baseball greats, Willie Mays&#8217; combination of tremendous talent, keen intellect, showmanship, and boundless joy set him apart. A 24-time All-Star, the Say Hey Kid is the ultimate Forever Giant.&#8221;
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&#8220;He had a profound influence not only on the game of baseball, but on the fabric of America,&#8221; he added. &#8220;He was an inspiration and a hero who will be forever remembered and deeply missed.&#8221;
Giants president and chief executive officer Larry Baer said that he fell in love with baseball because of Mays.
&#8220;My childhood was defined by going to Candlestick with my dad, watching Willie patrol centerfield with grace and the ultimate athleticism,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Over the past 30 years, working with Willie, and seeing firsthand his zest for life and unbridled passion for giving to young players and kids, has been one of the joys of my life.&#8221;

Willie Mays

Baseball Legend Willie Mays Passes Away At 93

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The Oakland A’s are officially moving to Sacramento starting in the 2025 season for three seasons with an option for a fourth before making their expected move to Las Vegas.
Vivek Ranadivé, the owner of the NBA’s Sacramento Kings, joined Athletics owner John Fisher to announce the move on Thursday. The team will play its home games at Sutter Health Park, where the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats currently play.
“I’m thrilled to welcome the A&#8217;s to Sutter Health Park, where players and fans alike can enjoy a world-class baseball experience and create unforgettable memories,” Ranadivé <a href="https://www.sacbee.com/sports/article287381405.html#campaignName=sacramento_breaking_newsletter" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stated</a>. “Today marks the next chapter of professional sports in Sacramento. The passion of our fans is second to none, and this is an incredible opportunity to showcase one of the most dynamic and vibrant markets in the country.”
“We look forward to making Sutter Health Park our home through our move to Las Vegas,” Fisher added. “We extend our appreciation to the Kings and the City of West Sacramento for hosting the A’s while we work to complete our new ballpark in Las Vegas.”
“We explored several locations for a temporary home, including the Oakland Coliseum,” Fisher continued. “Even with the long-standing relationship and good intentions on all sides in the negotiations with Oakland, the conditions to achieve an agreement seemed out of reach. We understand the disappointment this news brings to our fans, as this season marks our final one in Oakland. Throughout this season, we will honor and celebrate our time in Oakland, and will share additional details soon.”
The Athletics were founded in 1901 as the Philadelphia Athletics, the American League’s counterpart to the National League Philadelphia Phillies. The majority owner, Ben Shibe, was actually a minority owner in the Phillies; the legendary manager Connie Mack was not only the team’s initial manager (and would be for the next 50 years)  but also owned 25% of the team. The name was taken from the Athletic Base Ball Club of Philadelphia, which had been one of the original members of the National League when it was founded in 1876 but folded after one season.
The early years for the franchise were halcyon days, as the team won pennants in 1902, 1905, 1910, 1911, 1913, and 1914 and won the World Series in 1910, 1911, and 1913. In the late 1920s, the Athletics fielded one of the finest teams ever assembled, winning pennants from 1929-1931 and winning the World Series in 1929-1930.
Fallow decades followed, and at the end of 1954, the Athletics were sold and moved to Kansas City for the 1955 season. In the years that followed, the Athletics were often accused of acting like a farm team for the New York Yankees; between 1955 and 1959, the A’s and Yankees made 16 trades involving 61 players. The Yankees procured many star players, including Roger Maris (who would break Babe Ruth’s single-season home run record and win two MVP awards with the Yankees), third baseman Clete Boyer, and pitcher Ralph Terry.
Charlie Finley bought the team in 1960, and later moved them to Oakland in 1968, paving the way for the Oakland dynasty of the early 1970s. They became one of the few teams in baseball history to win three consecutive World Series championships (1972-1974) with a star-studded lineup that included an indomitable starting rotation of Catfish Hunter, Ken Holtzman, Vida Blue, and Blue Moon Odom along with reliever Rollie Fingers. They also boasted Reggie Jackson, Sal Bando, and Joe Rudi. The team later won the World Series in 1989 with a team featuring Jose Canseco, Mark McGuire, and Hall of Fame pitcher Dennis Eckersley.
“When I saw that this morning, it kind of hit me in the gut,” Eckersley said of the move to the <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/athletics/article/dennis-eckersley-former-a-s-saddened-19386125.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener">San Francisco Chronicle</a>. “Ugh. That’s my true reaction.”

Oakland Athletics v Milwaukee Brewers

Oakland Athletics To Move To Sacramento Starting In 2025

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The intricate tapestry of baseball&#8217;s history is marked by towering achievements, unforgettable moments, and, inevitably, its share of controversies. One of the most enduring debates centers on the Hall of Fame eligibility of players associated with or suspected of using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).
The recent Hall of Fame vote, where former New York Yankee and Met Gary Sheffield, an exceptional talent, was <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/sports/mlb-great-gary-sheffield-rips-hall-of-fame-voting-process-missing-out-politics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">not elected</a> in his last year of eligibility due to mere suspicion of intentional steroid use (Sheffield admits to unknowingly using a topical steroidal cream in 2002 he believed to be cortisone), brings this issue into immediate focus.
This case, among a select few others, calls for a deeper examination of the MLB&#8217;s approach to steroid use, particularly before the implementation of comprehensive testing protocols in the period after the initial survey urine testing for banned steroids in 2003 and 2004 was completed.
Before 2003, Major League Baseball operated without a robust steroid testing framework, creating an environment where PED use went largely unregulated. This era, retrospectively branded as the &#8220;Steroid Era,&#8221; was characterized by record-breaking performances and a surge in the sport&#8217;s popularity.
Players like Sheffield, who competed partially during this period, now find their legacies overshadowed by punitive suspicion, despite the absence of concrete evidence against them. The question arises: Is it fair to exclude players based on suspicion alone especially when they played in an era with different norms and regulations?
The shift in MLB&#8217;s stance on steroids, notably after governmental scrutiny in the early 2000s, led to stricter policies and testing procedures. While necessary for the sport&#8217;s integrity, this transition cast a retrospective pall over the achievements of many players, complicating their Hall of Fame considerations. Yet, the post-2003-2004 landscape, where failed drug tests provide clear evidence of PED use, presents a different set of challenges and considerations.
<div id="attachment_699151" style="width: 856px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-699151" class="size-large wp-image-699151" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/02/GettyImages-52440287-846x576.jpg" alt="WASHINGTON - MARCH 17: (R to L) Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling, Rafael Palmeiro of the Baltimore Orioles, former St. Louis Cardinals Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa of the Baltimore Orioles listen to testimony the House Committee hearing investigating steroid use in baseball on Capitol Hill March 17, 2005 in Washington, DC. Major League Baseball (MLB) Commissioner Allen &quot;Bud&quot; Selig will give testimony regarding MLB?s efforts to eradicate steriod usage among its players. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)" width="846" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/02/GettyImages-52440287-846x576.jpg 846w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/02/GettyImages-52440287-300x204.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/02/GettyImages-52440287-768x523.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/02/GettyImages-52440287.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 846px) 100vw, 846px" />Win McNamee/Getty Images</div>
The multitude of players whose Hall-of-Fame-worthy careers are marred by positive tests, embody this dilemma. Their cases prompt us to consider steroid use beyond the binary of right and wrong, potentially delving into the realms of addiction, physical dependency, and mental health considerations for players that may have failed tests when they were already financially secure and had no real reason to risk a loss of pay or their long-term legacies.
The discourse around PEDs in sports rarely acknowledges the potential for physical and mental dependency, akin to more recognized forms of substance abuse. Steroids, like other drugs, can lead to a complex web of dependencies that challenge the user&#8217;s ability to simply abstain. This aspect of steroid use calls for a more nuanced approach, recognizing the need for rehabilitation and mental health support for those seeking to overcome their reliance on PEDs.
The tragic cases of former WWE wrestler Chris Benoit, who was a confirmed steroid user and whose homicidal actions were speculated by some to be influenced by &#8220;roid rage,&#8221; and former Major Leaguer Jeremy Giambi, also a confirmed steroid user, whose suicide raises questions about the long-term psychological impacts of steroid use, underscore the urgent need for empathy and support systems for athletes grappling with these dependencies, perhaps even years after their active playing careers have ended.
These examples highlight the darker consequences of PED use that extend beyond the playing field, into the very lives and well-being of the athletes. They should compel us to reconsider how we view steroid use in the context of sports and even the MLB Hall of Fame. Should we not extend the same understanding and support to athletes dealing with PED dependencies as we do to individuals battling other forms of addiction?
The punitive approach, which focuses solely on penalties and exclusion, fails to address what may be some serious underlying health and psychological issues associated with steroid use and does little to aid in the rehabilitation of affected athletes.
The Hall of Fame, as a custodian of baseball&#8217;s rich and varied history, has an opportunity to lead by example in this regard. By adopting a more empathetic stance towards players from the Steroid Era, and those who have struggled with PED dependencies, it can foster a more inclusive and compassionate narrative.
This doesn&#8217;t mean overlooking the use of PEDs or diminishing the importance of fair play, but rather recognizing the complexities of the era and the human struggles behind the headlines.
Moreover, the Steroid Era&#8217;s contribution to baseball&#8217;s success and appeal during the critical period after baseball restarted following the owner-initiated lockout in 1994 that halted an exciting season where players thought to be “clean” like the Chicago White Sox’s Frank Thomas and the Seattle Mariners’ Ken Griffey Jr. looked to be on the way to potentially making history as they challenged Roger Maris’ single season Home Run record, should not be understated.
Fan interest in the sport seriously waned starting in 1995 due to the previous season’s preemption, and the excitement and intrigue generated by the era&#8217;s record-breaking performances, particularly in the 1998 season, played a significant role in rejuvenating the sport, drawing in fans, and generating significant revenue. Acknowledging this era and its players in the Hall of Fame does not condone steroid use but recognizes its indelible impact on the sport&#8217;s history
In rethinking steroid bias for Hall of Fame consideration, the MLB and the broader baseball community have a chance to address one of the sport&#8217;s most contentious issues with a balanced mix of integrity, empathy, and historical perspective.
<div id="attachment_699145" style="width: 949px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-699145" class="size-large wp-image-699145" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/02/GettyImages-1568488724-939x576.jpg" alt="COOPERSTOWN, NEW YORK - JULY 23: MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred looks on during the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Clark Sports Center on July 23, 2023 in Cooperstown, New York. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)" width="939" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/02/GettyImages-1568488724-939x576.jpg 939w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/02/GettyImages-1568488724-300x184.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/02/GettyImages-1568488724-768x471.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/02/GettyImages-1568488724.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 939px) 100vw, 939px" />Jim McIsaac/Getty Images</div>
This approach would not only honor the full spectrum of baseball&#8217;s legacy but also promote a more understanding and supportive environment for athletes that may be quietly facing the challenges associated with PED dependency.
The debate over steroids and the Hall of Fame is more than a question of statistics and accolades; it&#8217;s a matter of understanding the human element behind the players&#8217; achievements and struggles. By reevaluating stances on these issues, we may potentially pave the way for a more empathetic and nuanced appreciation of the sport&#8217;s history and its heroes.
* * *
Julio Rivera is a business strategist, political commentator and columnist, and a lifelong New York sports fan. His writing has been published by many of the largest and most respected news organizations in the world.
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.

2004 MLB All-Star Home Run Derby

Rethinking Steroid Bias For MLB Hall Of Fame Consideration

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The Major League Baseball (MLB) All Star Game will return to <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/atlanta" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Atlanta</a> even though a Georgia voting law is still in effect that caused an uproar and resulted in the game being moved in 2021.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred announced the All Star Game will be played at the Atlanta Braves’ ballpark, Truist Field in 2025 during a press conference Thursday afternoon.
&#8220;As a model of success on and off the field, the Braves deserve to host the All-Star Game,&#8221; Manfred <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/braves-to-host-2025-mlb-all-star-game-in-atlanta-after-losing-2021-festivities-over-georgia-voting-laws/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a>, adding that he looks forward to working with the Braves to deliver an All Star Game that &#8220;brings people together and benefits the community in many ways.&#8221;
In 2021, the Braves were set to host the All Star Game, but Manfred decided to move the game to the Rockies&#8217; ballpark in Denver after an uproar over the state&#8217;s new voting law.
The Braves went on to win the World Series that year.
The Georgia voting law in question, the Election Integrity Act of 2021, restricted voting by mail and ballot drop boxes and implemented voter ID requirements. The law also requires two Saturdays of early voting ahead of general election, up from just one Saturday.
The law also banned outside groups from handing out food or water to people waiting in line to vote, but that ban was partially struck down by a federal judge in August.
Voting rights groups associated with Lebron James, Stacey Abrams, and Al Sharpton were <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/stacey-abrams-urged-mlb-commissioner-move-all-star-game" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly</a> pushing for the MLB to move the All Star Game, and the groups held discussions with Manfred.
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Manfred ended up concluding that the All Star Game would turn into a political event and players might even boycott the game, so the easiest solution was to move the game, sources <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/stacey-abrams-urged-mlb-commissioner-move-all-star-game" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told</a> Fox News at the time.
Several months after the decision to move the game, Manfred said he was “not going to get into what I would need to see changed” for Atlanta to host the All Star Game in the future.
“Atlanta is an important market to us, and it will certainly be an option at some point in the future,” Manfred <a href="https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/rob-manfred-atlanta-an-option-at-some-point-for-future-all-star-game/IQYQ6OLGAZGGFIZR5JESFHOB7Q/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told</a> The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in July 2021.
The MLB commissioner addressed his previous decision during Thursday&#8217;s press conference.
&#8220;I made the decision in 2021 to move the event, and I understand that — believe me — people had then and probably still have different views as to the merits of that decision,&#8221; Manfred <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanDrellich/status/1725220763584565602" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a>.

2024 MLB All-Star Logo Unveiling

MLB All Star Game Returns To Atlanta Despite Uproar Over ‘Jim Crow’ Voting Laws

MLB All Star Game Returns To Atlanta Despite Uproar Over 'Jim Crow' Voting Laws

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Former <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/major-league-baseball" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Major League Baseball</a> star Steve Garvey announced on Tuesday that he is running for the U.S. Senate in the 2024 <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/california" target="_blank" rel="noopener">California</a> race as a Republican, saying that his campaign would focus on “quality of life” issues and returning California to being the “heartbeat” of America.
Garvey, 74, had a lengthy MLB career spanning from 1969-1987 where he played first base for the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/los-angeles-dodgers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Los Angeles Dodgers</a> and the San Diego Padres. The former baseball player, who won the National League MVP award in 1974, told The Daily Wire that he decided to run after seeing the “dysfunction” of Washington, D.C.
“I talk about a chorus of career politicians from the state of California that have told people what’s good for them, that your life is great, and it’s just not true,” Garvey said in an interview. “They know that their life could be better. They know they’ve seen better days in California, that’s why they are still here; they love California. But they need help.”
Garvey, whose <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NC44seizfO8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">first campaign ad</a> highlighted his baseball career, indicated that he would use the relationship he built with Californians during his MLB career to earn support.
“I’ve had this 50-year love affair with California, starting with when I first put on a Dodger uniform back on September 1, 1969,” he said. “The fans knew that I played for them, I played honestly, and gave my 100 percent.”
Key issues he said he would focus on included addressing economic challenges like the rising price of food and gasoline, affordable housing, supporting law enforcement, and education. He also said that the border should be secured and that the government needed to “shut down the sources of illicit drugs that are killing Americans.”
As senator, he said that he would focus on making &#8220;common sense decisions for the people of California.” In previous <a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-senate-steve-garvey-baseball-ce5fb39988916e7eb91ec0c5a31c9c1b?taid=6525473069f2640001d99e94&amp;utm_campaign=TrueAnthem&amp;utm_medium=AP&amp;utm_source=Twitter" target="_blank" rel="noopener">interviews</a>, he said that he would uphold the state’s stance on abortion and would not support a nationwide abortion ban.
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As a Republican, Garvey faces an uphill climb, as a Republican has not won a national Senate seat in over 30 years. Garvey previously <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/10/10/steve-garvey-california-senate/#:~:text=Former%20Major%20League%20Baseball%20player,who%20died%20earlier%20this%20month." target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> that he voted for former President Donald Trump in both 2016 and 2020.
Democrats in the race for deceased California Senator Dianne Feinstein’s former seat include Rep. Adam Schiff, Rep. Katie Porter, and Rep. Barbara Lee. California Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Laphonza Butler, a radical pro-abortion activist, to Feinstein’s seat earlier this month.
Garvey said that ordinary people had been left behind by California polices and that politicians were not making decisions beneficial to the state or the country.
“I saw such a dysfunction in Washington in career politicians really living for the business of politics and not for the people of California or this country,” Garvey told The Daily Wire.

Atlanta Braves v Los Angeles Dodgers – Game Four

Former Baseball MVP Running For Senate In California As Republican

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Former <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/boston">Boston</a> Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield — famously known for his iconic knuckleball-style pitching that helped the franchise win two World Series titles — died at age 57 on Sunday, the team announced.
Although an official cause of death was not immediately revealed, Wakefield reportedly had been undergoing treatment following a brain cancer diagnosis.
&#8220;Our hearts are broken with the loss of Tim Wakefield,&#8221; the team&#8217;s official X account posted. &#8220;Wake embodied true goodness; a devoted husband, father, and teammate, beloved broadcaster, and the ultimate community leader. He gave so much to the game and all of Red Sox Nation.&#8221;
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Our hearts are broken with the loss of Tim Wakefield.
Wake embodied true goodness; a devoted husband, father, and teammate, beloved broadcaster, and the ultimate community leader. He gave so much to the game and all of Red Sox Nation.
Our deepest love and thoughts are with… <a href="https://t.co/ah5kV2Yt8j">pic.twitter.com/ah5kV2Yt8j</a>
&mdash; Red Sox (@RedSox) <a href="https://twitter.com/RedSox/status/1708550648914903185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Last week, Wakefield&#8217;s former teammate, Curt Schilling, faced backlash after <a href="https://apnews.com/article/tim-wakefield-illness-curt-schilling-8f068c984b7c3e5924b3d27f0cd05832" target="_blank" rel="noopener">revealing</a> without permission that Wakefield had been diagnosed with brain cancer and asked for fans to respect his privacy.
The team issued a statement on Thursday with the consent of Wakefield and his wife, Stacy, saying, &#8220;Unfortunately, this information has been shared publicly without their permission.&#8221;
&#8220;Their health is a deeply personal matter they intended to keep private as they navigate treatment and work to tackle this disease,&#8221; Red Sox officials reportedly said. &#8220;Tim and Stacy are appreciative of the support and love that has always been extended to them and respectfully ask for privacy at this time.&#8221;
Wakefield, who was born in Melbourne, Florida, on August 2, 1966, made his Major League Baseball debut in 1992 with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The team had drafted him four years earlier as a first baseman to the minor leagues, where his career slowly launched until a Pirates coach saw him throwing a knuckleball while playing catch with a teammate.
&#8220;I was disappointed [the Pirates] were giving up on me that quick [as a hitter],&#8221; Wakefield said in his memoir, &#8220;Knuckler: My Life with Baseball&#8217;s Most Confounding Pitch,&#8221; <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/38539709/former-red-sox-knuckleballer-tim-wakefield-dies-brain-caner-57" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according</a> to ESPN. &#8220;But then, they basically told me, &#8216;You&#8217;re going to pitch or you&#8217;re going to go home.&#8217; So I said, &#8216;OK, I&#8217;ll pitch.'&#8221;
The move immediately garnered Wakefield national attention after winning 8-1 with a 2.15 ERA and two more games during the National League Championship Series against the Atlanta Braves. But after underperforming the following season, the team sent him back to the minors until ultimately releasing him.
The Boston Red Sox picked him up in 1995, where he found his permanent home for the rest of his professional career and pitched for 17 seasons.
He contributed to the team winning the World Series championship in 2004 against the St. Louis Cardinals to claim their first championship in 86 years. Wakefield scored another World Series title with the Red Sox after defeating the New York Yankees in 2007.
Wakefield retired in 2012 with 200 major league game victories under his belt — 186 with the Red Sox — <a href="https://apnews.com/article/tim-wakefield-death-red-sox-ae1f9bd465fbefede0d030f915b1f988?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&amp;utm_medium=AP_Sports&amp;utm_source=Twitter" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly</a> placing him behind legendary baseball players Cy Young and Roger Clemens in the team&#8217;s history.
According to ESPN, he finished his career with a 4.41 ERA with 2,156 strikeouts &#8212; and 1,205 walks &#8212; in 3,226 2/3 innings pitched over 627 appearances (463 starts).
&#8220;There were some years there where I didn&#8217;t know if I was going to come back or not,&#8221; Wakefield said at his 2012 retirement news conference. &#8220;But I&#8217;m very grateful that I&#8217;ve been able to put this uniform on for such a long time, and win two World Series for this great city.&#8221;
Shortly after retiring, Wakefield began working as an analyst for the Red Sox broadcast network NESN. He also remained involved in Boston charities, including the Red Sox Foundation.
In 2016, the franchise inducted him into the Red Sox Hall of Fame to join former players, leadership, and staff members who have contributed to the team&#8217;s 120-year-plus history.
Red Sox owner John Henry said in a statement on Sunday following Wakefield&#8217;s passing that &#8220;Tim&#8217;s kindness and indomitable spirit were as legendary as his knuckleball.&#8221;
&#8220;He not only captivated us on the field but was the rare athlete whose legacy extended beyond the record books to the countless lives he touched with his warmth and genuine spirit,&#8221; Henry said. &#8220;He had a remarkable ability to uplift, inspire, and connect with others in a way that showed us the true definition of greatness. He embodied the very best of what it means to be a member of the Boston Red Sox and his loss is felt deeply by all of us.&#8221;
Red Sox chairman Tom Werner said, &#8220;It&#8217;s one thing to be an outstanding athlete; it&#8217;s another to be an extraordinary human being. Tim was both.&#8221;
&#8220;He was a role model on and off the field, giving endlessly to the Red Sox Foundation and being a force for good for everyone he encountered,&#8221; Werner said. &#8220;I felt fortunate to call him a close friend and along with all of us in Red Sox Nation, I know the world was made better because he was in it.&#8221;
Wakefield is survived by his wife, Stacy, and their children, Trevor and Brianna.

(082611, Boston, MA) Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Tim Wakefield (49) as the Red Sox take on the Athletics at Fenway Park. Friday, August 26, 2011. (Staff photo by Stuart Cahill)

Boston Red Sox Legendary Knuckleballer Pitcher Tim Wakefield Dead At 57

Boston Red Sox

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Death

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Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson, the man nicknamed “The Human Vacuum Cleaner” who set the standard for playing third base, has died at age 86, after having become a legendary beloved figure in Baltimore.
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A Statement from the Robinson Family and the Orioles:
“We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of Brooks Robinson. An integral part of our Orioles Family since 1955, he will continue to leave a lasting impact on our club, our community, and the sport of…
&mdash; Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) <a href="https://twitter.com/Orioles/status/1706785629546111056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Robinson, who played for the Baltimore Orioles his entire career (1955-1977)  won an astonishing 16 consecutive Gold Gloves (1960-75) during his career; he played his entire career for the Baltimore Orioles and became a local hero in the town. He helped the Orioles win the World Series in 1966 and 1970.
Robinson won the 1964 American League MVP after batting .317 with 118 RBIs. He also won the MVP in the 1970 World Series against the Cincinnati Reds, hitting .429 with two home runs. He ended his career just shy of 3,000 hits, with 2,848 hits, a .267 batting average, 268 home runs and 1,357 RBIs. He appeared in 18 All-Star Games.
But it was his defense that made him legendary, as can be seen <a href="https://www.mlb.com/orioles/video/best-of-brooks-robinson-s-defense" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.
After the five-game 1970 World Series against the Reds, where Robinson made one dazzling play after another, he <a href="https://www.reuters.com/sports/baseball/orioles-star-third-baseman-brooks-robinson-dies-86-2023-09-26/">stated</a>with typical humility, “I just happened to be in the right spot in that series. I tell people that I played 23 seasons and I never did have five games in a row like I did in that World Series. It was a once in a lifetime five-game series for me and it just happened to be in a World Series.”
Robinson once told writers that his defense was never brought up when he was negotiating a contract with the Orioles. General Manager Harry Dalton explained why, as Doug Wilson wrote in “<a href="https://books.google.co.il/books?id=ZYfqAQAAQBAJ&amp;pg=PA218&amp;lpg=PA218&amp;dq=Brooks+Robinson+defense&amp;source=bl&amp;ots=MXYhSTZVM8&amp;sig=ACfU3U2d41MXMQY0s8oNluRxS4-IWQuTBA&amp;hl=en&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi15qm5isqBAxVPX0EAHeyEBgA4ChDoAXoECAIQAw#v=onepage&amp;q=Brooks%20Robinson%20defense&amp;f=false" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brooks: The Biography of Brooks Robinson</a>”: “Perhaps his glove wasn’t brought up by me because I think you can understand that I would have everything to lose by bringing up his defense. How could I bring up defense? How could I debate perfection?”
In addition, Robinson was beloved as a human being for his graciousness and humility. “Great player, great guy on the field, great guy off,” fellow Orioles Hall of Famer Jim Palmer recalled. “Respectful, kind. And you don&#8217;t meet too many guys like that. Brooks was a genuine person. There was no acting. Brooks was just a genuine person.”
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Jim Palmer reflects on the legacy of Brooks Robinson. <a href="https://t.co/2UlvMt5gBd">pic.twitter.com/2UlvMt5gBd</a>
&mdash; Orioles on MASN (@masnOrioles) <a href="https://twitter.com/masnOrioles/status/1706798175258886181?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Robinson was such a beloved figure in Baltimore that when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in July 1983, the crowd was estimated at 12,000 people, 4,000 more than any previous induction ceremony. Wilson noted, “56 buses, 14 planes and countless individual cars made the 250-mile ‘trip of pride’ sponsored by the business community of Baltimore.” Bill Tanton, sports editor of the Baltimore Sun, said, “When Brooks went in, it was like a member of your family going in.”
Robinson reacted humbly, “I can’t believe it. It was just unbelievable for all these people to make this hike up from Baltimore to see me go into the Hall of Fame. If I’m making them happy in any way, then that makes me happy.”
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Remembering Mr. Oriole 🧡 <a href="https://t.co/vibCuUWybB">pic.twitter.com/vibCuUWybB</a>
&mdash; Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) <a href="https://twitter.com/Orioles/status/1706801909405770157?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&quot;Brooks Robinson is iconic – not just in the game of baseball, but in Baltimore as a whole.   Few people captured the hearts of a community like Brooks. His charm, kindness and class truly made him one of a kind.”
Steve Bisciotti on the passing of <a href="https://twitter.com/Orioles?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Orioles</a> legend Brooks… <a href="https://t.co/VNBF1auf9I">pic.twitter.com/VNBF1auf9I</a>
&mdash; Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ravens/status/1706812889904873826?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The memories we all share of Brooks will live on. My thoughts are with Connie and the Robinson family. We lost a great man but were so fortunate to have had him in our lives.&quot; &#8211; CRJ
&mdash; Cal Ripken, Jr. (@CalRipkenJr) <a href="https://twitter.com/CalRipkenJr/status/1706812959601590607?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
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When I was a little kid, I couldn’t imagine anyone ever being cooler than Brooks Robinson.
I still can’t. 
RIP <a href="https://t.co/7PpHWTwBoB">pic.twitter.com/7PpHWTwBoB</a>
&mdash; Scott Van Pelt (@notthefakeSVP) <a href="https://twitter.com/notthefakeSVP/status/1706788105674449019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Words can’t express how I feel right now. A sad day for our Hall of Fame family with passing of Brooks Robinson. One of the most kindest and sincere individual I have ever met. Brooks you will be dearly missed my friend RIP 🙏
&mdash; Wade Boggs (@ChickenMan3010) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChickenMan3010/status/1706792049637245172?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Brooks Robinson Portrait Color

‘Human Vacuum Cleaner’: Legendary Hall Of Famer Brooks Robinson Dies At 86

Baltimore Orioles

Brooks Robinson

<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/los-angeles-dodgers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Los Angeles Dodgers</a> pitcher Julio Urias was arrested on Sunday on suspicion of <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/domestic-violence" target="_blank" rel="noopener">domestic violence</a>, according to multiple reports.
The Los Angeles Police Department <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/38328539/dodgers-p-julio-urias-arrested-domestic-violence-charges" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told ESPN</a> that Urias, 27, was detained on felony charges.
Citing jail records, the news outlet said Urias was booked around 1 a.m., a couple of hours after his arrest. He was then released on $50,000 bond and has a court date of September 27.
The Dodgers released a statement acknowledging that the team was aware of an &#8220;incident&#8221; involving Urias.
&#8220;While we attempt to learn all the facts, he will not be traveling with the team. The organization has no further comment at this time,&#8221; the statement added, <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/dodgers-pitcher-julio-urias-arrested-on-domestic-violence-charge/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according to the local CBS affiliate</a>.
Major League Baseball (MLB) will conduct an investigation and Urias has been placed on administrative leave while it pans out, The Orange County Register&#8217;s Bill Plunkett <a href="https://twitter.com/billplunkettocr/status/1698773765591630267" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> in posts to X, noting that the pitcher may not play again for the Dodgers as he is is set to become a free agent at the end of the season.
Urias was previously arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor domestic battery in 2019 after he was allegedly seen pushing a woman to the ground in a parking lot, as <a href="https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2023-09-04/dodgers-julio-urias-charged-felony-domestic-violence" target="_blank" rel="noopener">noted by the Los Angeles Times</a>. The player did <a href="https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/la-sp-dodgers-julio-urias-no-domestic-battery-charges-city-attorney-20190603-story.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">not face any charges</a> in connection to that case, but he was <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/julio-urias-suspended" target="_blank" rel="noopener">suspended</a> for 20 games under the MLB&#8217;s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy.
&#8220;Although the authorities determined no charges of any kind were warranted, I accept full responsibility for what I believe was my inappropriate conduct during the incident,&#8221; Urias said in a statement at the time. &#8220;Even in this instance where there was no injury or history of violence, I understand and agree that Major League players should be held to a higher standard. I hold myself to a higher standard as well. I have taken proactive steps to help grow as a person on and off the field, and in my relationships, including attending counseling sessions.&#8221;
Urias, who was born in Mexico, has played in the MLB for the Dodgers since the 2016 season. He notably threw the strikeout that <a href="https://www.mlb.com/player/julio-urias-628711" target="_blank" rel="noopener">secured victory</a> for his team in the 2020 World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays and he <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/julio-urias-third-place-nl-cy-young-award-2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">finished third</a> in the race for the National League&#8217;s Cy Young award last year.
This season, while contending with <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/37695430/dodgers-place-lhp-julio-urias-il-hamstring-strain" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hamstring</a> and <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/julio-urias-tosses-5-scoreless-innings-after-fingernail-issue" target="_blank" rel="noopener">finger</a> injuries, the left-hander has <a href="https://www.mlb.com/player/julio-urias-628711" target="_blank" rel="noopener">notched</a> 11 wins and eight losses along with a 4.60 Earned Run Average.
The Dodgers sit atop the National League&#8217;s West division with a 84-52 record and 14.5-game lead over the second-place Arizona Diamondbacks with about four weeks left to play in the regular season.

Julio Urias

Dodgers Pitcher Arrested On Suspicion Of Domestic Violence

Dodgers Pitcher Arrested On Suspicion of Domestic Violence

Crime

Domestic Violence

Major League Baseball (MLB) is focusing on diversity efforts to increase the recruitment of black players.
MLB’s efforts are already yielding results. A growing number of players primed to go pro are black. MLB <a href="https://apnews.com/article/black-baseball-players-major-league-3b7b3a3f2ef9a70631d1e6e571d7ecbd">told</a> AP News that approximately 15 percent of the players featured in a recent showcase preceding July’s draft were black.
In last year’s draft, four of the first five players selected were black: a first in MLB’s history. All four hailed from the <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/2023-dream-series-aims-to-increase-black-participation-in-baseball">DREAM Series</a>, an MLB camp for young black players. MLB <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/diversity-in-mlb-expanding-in-2023">reported</a> in April that their diversity efforts had yielded black players making up 13 percent of the top 100 selections.
MLB projected that 11 black players would be among the top 100 players for this year’s draft, with at least 49 percent of those anticipated players qualifying as diversity drafts.
The increased diversity yield may be credited to MLB’s numerous initiatives and hundreds of millions in funding dedicated specifically to training up black players.
Zion Rose, one of the combine players poised to participate in the upcoming draft, credited MLB’s diversity initiatives for his exposure to scouts, as well as significant figures like former players and coaches. Former MLB player Chris Young concurred, crediting the MLB’s diversity initiatives for lessening the financial burden for up-and-coming black players.
In 2021, MLB committed to give $100 million and raise $50 million over the course of a decade to increase the number of black baseball players. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said that the goal was to see more non-white players on the field.
“We want young people, period, playing the game: particularly young people of color,” said Manfred.
The millions in funding were issued in a partnership with <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/the-players-alliance-panel-discussion-mlb-tonight">The Players Alliance</a>: a nonprofit of current and former MLB players launched amid the summer of Black Lives Matter (BLM) rioting in response to George Floyd’s death. The Players Alliance shares a similar logo to BLM, with one exception: while BLM has three yellow lines on a black background, the alliance has two yellow lines and one white line on a black background.
With their millions in funding, the alliance has launched a mentorship program, donated baseball equipment, and created exclusive scholarship, internship, and employment opportunities for black individuals. 
The $150 million was in addition to an initial $10 million pledge issued in 2020. 
The board chair of The Players Alliance, Curtis Granderson, said the MLB support made their equity work possible.
“As the stark racial minority in all aspects of our game, The Players Alliance has given a voice and platform to our black players, unified in our stance against systemic racism,” said Granderson. “We stand together for what is right and to change our game for the better. The power of our player membership, including our non-black teammates, coupled with the support of MLB and the Players Association, gives us the unique ability to create increased opportunities for the black communities we care so much about.”
The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport <a href="https://www.tidesport.org/mlb">estimated</a> in their annual Racial and Gender Report Card released last week that black players made up about six percent of all players on opening day rosters. That’s one percent less than last year, and one-third of the total from 1991. However, the institute reported that the number of non-white MLB players increased to 40 percent this year. Latinos and Hispanics make up the largest bulk of the diverse crowd, accounting for 30 percent of the players.
In <a href="https://apnews.com/article/baseball-diversity-study-black-players-5d0d1766536f1385ee673c68be55d89a">response</a> to the latest demographics of black participation in baseball, MLB Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity &amp; Inclusion Billy Bean promised that the organization was prioritizing the recruitment of black players.
“We have extensive programs through all stages of player development to increase Black participation in baseball,” said Bean. “We are encouraged by the progress being made at various levels of the pipeline. Diversity remains a top priority for our entire industry and we are committed to this as a long-term effort.”
In addition to the DREAM Series, the MLB also has the <a href="https://www.mlb.com/breakthrough-series">Breakthrough Series</a> and the <a href="https://www.mlb.com/hank-aaron-invitational">Hank Aaron Invitational</a>, diversity initiatives with predominant participation from young black players. The latter program has yielded 94 percent of graduating alumni securing collegiate and professional baseball opportunities.

MLB: JUN 02 Orioles at Giants

MLB Focuses Recruitment on Diversity to Bring in More Black Players

Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI)

A bus driver was arrested for allegedly transporting the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/pittsburgh" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pittsburgh</a> Pirates while under the influence.
Officers escorting the bus on Thursday night as it was departing <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/chicago" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chicago</a>, where the team had just ended a series, en route to Milwaukee reportedly noticed the vehicle was acting strangely.
&#8220;During the escort, the bus driver, 61-year-old Ronald E. Funderburke from Shelby, NC, was not following the escort and was traveling away from the escorting officers,&#8221; a spokesperson with the Illinois State Police <a href="https://cwbchicago.com/2023/06/police-escort-arrests-pittsburgh-pirates-bus-driver-dui-chicago.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told CWB Chicago</a>.
&#8220;Troopers observed more erratic driving and stopped the bus on the right shoulder of Interstate 94 northbound at Dempster Street,&#8221; the spokesperson added.
&#8220;After observing multiple signs of impairment, troopers arrested Funderburke for driving under the influence of alcohol and transported him to Chicago Police Department 16th District,&#8221; the spokesperson concluded.
Brian Warecki, senior vice president of communications for the Pirates, said &#8220;we are deeply concerned&#8221; about what transpired that night.
&#8220;The important thing is that all of our personnel arrived in Milwaukee safely,” Warecki said. “Buses are contracted out to a local provider, which was consistent with this trip, and we are now in communication with the appropriate parties regarding this matter.”
The Pirates made it to their destination in Milwaukee, where the team proceeded to get swept by the Brewers in a three-game series.
In other DUI-related sports news, West Virginia college basketball coach <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/legendary-basketball-coach-bob-huggins-arrested-on-dui-charges" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bob Huggins was arrested</a> Friday night and charged with driving under the influence after being pulled over in Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh Pirates v Chicago Cubs

Driver Arrested For DUI While Transporting Pittsburgh Pirates

Driver Arrested For DUI While Transporting Pirates

Chicago

A large group of demonstrators protested the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/vin-scully-hall-of-fame-dodgers-announcer-of-67-years-dead-at-94" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Los Angeles Dodgers</a> honoring a <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/drag-troupe-sisters-perpetual-indulgence-mark-40-years-dragtivism-n996701" target="_blank" rel="noopener">drag troupe</a> of self-described &#8220;queer and trans nuns&#8221; on Friday.
Crowds gathered outside Dodger Stadium, where the team would later recognize the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence at its annual Pride Night celebration. The group has outraged Catholics due to certain antics, such as <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/dodgers-boot-anti-catholic-sisters-of-perpetual-indulgence-from-lgbt-event-after-controversy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pole dancing on a cross</a>, that they say are a <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/catholicvote-leader-slams-dodgers-for-re-inviting-queer-and-trans-nuns-troupe-to-pride-night" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mockery of their faith</a>.
The rally on Friday was organized by a group called Catholics for Catholics, which disseminated flyers that called on people to join “in prayerful response to Dodgers’ godless decision to honor blasphemous, Christ-mocking ‘Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence,’” according to <a href="https://ktla.com/news/nexstar-media-wire/thousands-protest-dodgers-pride-night-event-honoring-lgbtq-nun-group/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">local news station KTLA</a>.
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A massive group of Catholics and Christians have arrived outside of Dodger Stadium to pray in protest of the Dodgers honoring the &quot;Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/HYprx1N16l">pic.twitter.com/HYprx1N16l</a>
&mdash; Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) <a href="https://twitter.com/CitizenFreePres/status/1669834539714347008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Catholics for Catholics touted &#8220;over 5K Strong!! Massive outpouring!&#8221; at the end of the prayer rally.
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HUGE SUCCESS! Prayer Rally Officially Concludes. Over 5K strong!! Massive outpouring! <a href="https://twitter.com/JackPosobiec?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JackPosobiec</a> <a href="https://t.co/y202RAGE2g">pic.twitter.com/y202RAGE2g</a>
&mdash; Catholics for Catholics 🇺🇲 (@CforCatholics) <a href="https://twitter.com/CforCatholics/status/1669890291917295616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The Dodgers carried on with recognizing the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence during a <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/sports/dodgers-honor-anti-catholic-drag-nuns-more-hour-before-first-pitch-inside-nearly-empty-stadium">pre-game</a> ceremony despite the controversy. Two members of the group, &#8220;Sister Unity&#8221; and &#8220;Sister Dominia,&#8221; appeared on the field and received the award while fans in a sparsely crowded stadium watched and cheered.
There were some boos as well, as heard in a video posted to social media posted by <a href="https://www.tpusa.com/bio/savanah-hernandez" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Turning Point USA&#8217;s Savanah Hernandez</a>.
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DODGER STADIUM-The “Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence” are recognized for Pride night to a mostly empty audience. 
Two Dodgers fan nearby begin loudly booing after they’re announced: <a href="https://t.co/OO6NT5RIc8">pic.twitter.com/OO6NT5RIc8</a>
&mdash; Savanah Hernandez (@sav_says_) <a href="https://twitter.com/sav_says_/status/1669877241642385408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&#8220;The Dodgers community hero award goes to an organization reaching the LGBTQ+ community, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, LA chapter,&#8221; said stadium announcer Todd Leitz, <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/sports/dodgers-honor-anti-catholic-drag-nuns-more-hour-before-first-pitch-inside-nearly-empty-stadium" target="_blank" rel="noopener">per Fox News</a>. &#8220;Please join us in recognizing the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence for their outstanding service to the LGBTQ+ community.&#8221;
Though members of the group insist they are <a href="https://twitter.com/CitizenFreePres/status/1669889453937106945" target="_blank" rel="noopener">engaging in satire</a> while <a href="https://www.thesisters.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">promoting &#8220;human rights&#8221; and &#8220;diversity</a>,&#8221; critics remain strongly opposed to the bawdy caricature of the Catholic religion and cheered on the large turnout for the protest.
&#8220;If they even cover it many in our now openly deceitful media will lie &amp; report that Christian protestors showed up outside Dodger Stadium tonight to protest &#8216;Pride&#8217; or the &#8216;Trans&#8217; movement,&#8221; <a href="https://twitter.com/marcorubio/status/1669890170949193730" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tweeted</a> Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL). &#8220;What they won’t report is that the FACT that the protest was against the @Dodgers honoring an anti-Christian hate group.&#8221;
The stadium appears to have filled up for the ball game itself on Friday night. <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/401472065" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ESPN reported</a> the attendance reached 49,074 fans, or 88% percent of the stadium&#8217;s capacity of about 56,000 people. The visiting San Francisco Giants defeated the Dodgers 7-5 in the 11th inning.
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CLARIFICATION: To those questioning my observation regarding the empty stadium for the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, it was a comparison of how there were thousands of Catholics protesting outside (4.5 hours before the game was set to begin). The Dodgers have ONE Pride night a… <a href="https://t.co/pwvgQC89Qk">pic.twitter.com/pwvgQC89Qk</a>
— Savanah Hernandez (@sav_says_) <a href="https://twitter.com/sav_says_/status/1669899750089568256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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While the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence were honored before the game started, Hernandez said that the team &#8220;recognized a new LGBTQ member at the end of every inning. They specifically chose to recognize the sisters before the majority of fans would be present.&#8221;
The Dodgers had disinvited the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence last month, but within days <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/dodgers-re-invite-queer-and-trans-nuns-troupe-with-an-apology" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reversed that decision</a> and issued an apology to the group while facing backlash from LGBTQ organizations. In the days that followed, Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw announced this team would be hosting a &#8220;Christian Faith and Family Day&#8221; at the end of July.
&#8220;Excited to announce the relaunch of Christian Faith and Family Day at Dodger Stadium on July 30th.&#8221; Kershaw said in a <a href="https://twitter.com/ClaytonKersh22/status/1662151424153616389" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tweet</a>. &#8220;More details to come— but we are grateful for the opportunity to talk about Jesus and determined to make it bigger and better than it was before COVID. Hope to see you on July 30th!&#8221;

Dodgers Pride Night protest

Large Group Protests Dodgers’ Pride Night; Sparse Crowd Watches Drag ‘Nuns’ Get Honored

Large Group Protest Dodgers Pride Night; Sparse Crowd Watches Drag 'Nuns' Get Honored

Catholic

Los Angeles

Religion

Washington Nationals pitcher Trevor Williams is speaking out and teaming up with Catholic app <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/god-is-doing-something-pretty-incredible-catholic-app-passes-up-google-tiktok-on-ash-wednesday" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hallow</a> after posting a viral tweet calling out the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/los-angeles-dodgers">LA Dodgers&#8217;</a> decision to re-invite and honor an LGBT drag group that mocks Christians, specifically, Catholics.
Williams – a devout Catholic, husband, and father to four children – was one of the only MLB players in the league to <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/catholic-mlb-pitcher-slams-dodgers-for-honoring-drag-nuns">admonish</a> the Dodgers for honoring the so-called &#8220;Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence,&#8221; a group of men who mockingly dress like drag queen versions of Catholic nuns, habits and all.
“It had to be said,” Williams <a href="https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/254568/exclusive-washington-nationals-pitcher-trevor-williams-speaks-out-on-dodgers-controversy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told</a> EWTN in his first interview since the controversy. “We cannot stand idly by while Our Lord gets mocked.”
The pitcher is teaming up with popular Christian app Hallow for an exclusive and totally free 12-Day <a href="https://hallow.com/challenges-sacred-heart/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sacred Heart Prayer Challenge</a>. The challenge starts Friday, June 16, the day Catholics celebrate the solemnity of the Sacred Heart – and the same day the Dodgers will be honoring the &#8220;Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence&#8221; with a “Community Hero Award.&#8221;
&#8220;These prayers come together to unite everyone under the love of Christ and allow us to conform our hearts to Christ’s during the division in our culture,&#8221; Hallow told The Daily Wire.
&#8220;[When] St. Peter greets me at the gates, he’s not going to ask what your win-loss record was in 2023. He’s going to ask, ‘How did you build the kingdom of heaven?’” Williams said in his interview with EWTN, underscoring that his faith comes first in his life.
“To invite and honor a group that makes a blatant and deeply offensive mockery of my religion, and the religion of over 4 million people in Los Angeles county alone, undermines the values of respect and inclusivity that should be upheld by any organization,” Williams said of the Dodgers in his viral post back on May 30.
“Creating an environment in which one group feels celebrated and honored at the expense of another is counterproductive and wrong,” he said.
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&mdash; Trevor Williams (@MeLlamoTrevor) <a href="https://twitter.com/MeLlamoTrevor/status/1663603543528419328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Williams further told EWTN that the &#8220;Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence&#8221; mock Catholics and all Christians. “Anyone with two eyes and a brain can see that they’re mocking the religious habits of nuns, they’re mocking what we hold most deeply and our core convictions,&#8221; he said.
“When you go out of your way to steal a consecrated eucharistic host to defile it, that is not out of love; when you’re desecrating a crucifix or dancing on what appears to be Jesus on a cross, that isn’t out of love,” Williams continued.
“We look at the cross and the crucifixion, and we see Jesus dying for us and his blood soaking us and washing us of our sin,” the pitcher added. “For someone to do that because they say it&#8217;s ‘art’ and out of love and tolerance, it doesn’t make sense.”
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/catholic-mlb-pitcher-slams-dodgers-for-honoring-drag-nuns" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Catholic MLB Pitcher Slams Dodgers For Honoring Drag ‘Nuns’</a>

Washington Nationals v Miami Marlins

‘Can’t Stand Idly By While Our Lord Gets Mocked’: Catholic MLB Pitcher Speaks Out After Calling Out Dodgers Honoring Drag ‘Nuns’

Catholic MLB Pitcher Trevor Williams Speaks Out Following Viral Post Calling Out Dodgers Honoring Drag ‘Nuns’

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