ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A number of Tampa Bay Rays players decided not to wear rainbow-colored logos on their uniforms as part of the team’s annual Pride Night on Saturday that recognized the LGBTQ community.
Rays manager Kevin Cash addressed it after Sunday’s game, saying he doesn’t think it will negatively affect the clubhouse because discussions among the players over the past few weeks were constructive and emphasized the value of differing perspectives.
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“First and foremost, I think the organization has done a really good thing to have Pride Nights supporting our gay community to come out and have a nice night at the ballpark,” Cash said. “Impressed that our players have had those conversations and we want to support our players that choose to wear or choose not to wear to the best of our capabilities.”
Reliever Jason Adam was among those who opted out and said it was a “faith-based decision.”
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“It’s just what we believe the lifestyle he’s (Jesus) encouraged us to live for our good, not to withhold,” Adam told the Tampa Bay Times. “But we love these men and women, we care about them and we want them to feel safe and welcome here.”
Earlier this year, Florida legislators passed a law, which Gov. Ron DeSantis signed, that forbids classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade. Critics argue that the law’s true intent is to marginalize LGBTQ people and their families.
Members of the LGBTQ community took part in pregame activities and mini LGBTQ flags were given out to fans.
Saturday’s attendance was 19,452, above the season average of 16,868. The turnout for Sunday’s series finale against the Chicago White Sox was 11,162.
