Us News

Roger Clemens questions MLB's warning to Giants pitchers who wrote Bible verses on Pride Night hats

MLB warned Giants pitchers for writing Bible verses on Pride Night hats, sparking debate over religious expression and uniform policy enforcement.

Published June 18, 2026, 3:05 AM
Updated June 18, 2026, 3:28 AM915
Share𝕏f
Roger Clemens questions MLB's warning to Giants pitchers who wrote Bible verses on Pride Night hats

Major League Baseball drew a line when players wrote Bible verses on their Pride hats.

During a San Francisco Giants Pride Night game, pitchers Landon Roupp, JT Brubaker and Ryan Walker wrote Bible verses on their team-issued hats.

The players referenced Genesis 9:12-16, a passage on the rainbow covenant.

MLB issued a warning to the players, stating the markings violated league uniform policies.

DAN DAKICH RIPS MLB FOR WARNING GIANTS PLAYERS WHO WROTE BIBLE VERSES ON THEIR PRIDE HATS: 'SHUT UP'

Former player Roger Clemens addressed the situation during an appearance on "The Will Cain Show," questioning the league's enforcement of uniform rules.

Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Roger Clemens acknowledges fans at Fenway Park.

Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Roger Clemens acknowledges fans during pregame ceremonies before a game against the Seattle Mariners at Fenway Park on July 13, 2013. (Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports)

Clemens noted that players modify gear without receiving discipline from the league.

"We alter our uniforms all the time with numbers or somebody that has passed away," Clemens told Cain.

"I know one time in Boston, Larry Bird retired. I put his hat on. They put 33, silver marker on the hat to honor Larry Bird. I did it for my mom and grandmother."

Clemens argued that players should be permitted to display symbols of faith on the field.

"I love it that these guys show the blessings that the Lord has given them to be out there on that field," Clemens stated. "That's the way it was for me."

To resolve the issue, Clemens suggested MLB apply the same rules it uses for footwear customizations.

EX-VIKINGS CAPTAIN CALLS ON MLB PLAYERS TO DOUBLE-DOWN ON FAITH AMID PRIDE NIGHT CAP CONTROVERSY

"They do the special cleats where you can paint, do your cleats how you want it," Clemens said. "Maybe they do something like that and guys can have a hat with a Bible verse. They feel strongly about it."

The warning from MLB sparked a response beyond the diamond.

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley sent a letter to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, demanding a justification for the warnings and questioning the league's stance on religious expression.

San Francisco Giants pitcher Landen Roupp throwing a pitch at Oracle Park.

San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Landen Roupp throws against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on June 12, 2026. (John Hefti/Imagn Images)

Clemens concluded by addressing the friction between league initiatives and the personal values of the players on the field.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

"Whatever floats your boat. Go for it," Clemens said. "Don't bring your ideas towards me then too."

Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela

Alejandro Avila is a longtime writer at OutKick, living in Southern California. 

Share𝕏f
News17 is committed to delivering accurate, fair, and thoroughly researched reporting. If you believe this article contains an error, please contact our editorial team at corrections@news17.net. We take all reports seriously and will issue corrections promptly when warranted.