The boos came out when the starting lineup was broadcast through the stadium’s speakers prior to the opening pitch. Overall, the response from fans could be described as a mixed reception at best. It was louder than what most of the other players announced got, save for Jung Hoo Lee, but there wasn\u2019t an overwhelming volume of vitriol. Roupp and the rest of the Giants were cheered when they all took the field to start the afternoon game against the A\u2019s on Thursday.<\/p>\n
Roupp was one of three Giants pitchers<\/a> who wrote the name of a Bible chapter and verse number on his cap next to the Pride\u00a0flag-themed Giants logo on June 12. The verse from the book of Genesis is about how the rainbow represents the \u201csign of the covenant\u201d between God and the earth, according to the New International Version of the Bible, which religious leaders have used as an attempt to \u201creclaim<\/a>\u201d the rainbow as a symbol from the LGBTQIA+ community. Relievers JT Brubaker and Ryan Walker also wrote similar Bible verse references next to the Giants logo during that game, while reliever Sam Hentges didn\u2019t wear the Pride-themed cap at all, sticking with the team\u2019s usual orange SF logo hat.<\/p>\n Roupp spoke to reporters about his decision after that start, saying, \u201cThere\u2019s no hate at all. It\u2019s just what I stand for and what I stand on. I believe in God, and that\u2019s me.\u201d While the 27-year-old spoke of his protest as simply a demonstration of his faith, albeit during a particularly conspicuous moment, the move took on a life of its own<\/a>. When MLB sent a warning to the players who wrote the Bible verse for violating MLB uniform rules, that quickly drew the attention of Republican politicians like Vice President JD\u00a0Vance. The Department of Justice<\/a> even opened an inquiry over the matter.<\/p>\n After Republican Sen. Josh\u00a0Hawley of Missouri published a letter to\u00a0MLB alleging religious discrimination against Christians, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred\u00a0placed the blame on\u00a0the Giants<\/a> for failing to adequately communicate the rules to their players. President of Baseball Operations Buster Posey did not expand on what happened, as he refused to answer any Pride Night-related questions in a bizarre press conference Tuesday<\/a>. The organization pointed to its blanket statement made shortly after Pride Night.<\/p>\n \u201cThe San Francisco Giants are proud to support Pride Night and the LGBTQ+ community. Baseball should be a place where everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued,\u201d the statement read. \u201cWe also respect that individuals may make personal choices about participating in team activations. We understand that the choices by individual players has caused pain and anger to many in the LGBTQ+ community and we are sorry for that. Those choices do not change our organization\u2019s commitment to inclusion, belonging, and creating a welcoming environment for all. We remain grateful to our fans, partners, employees, players and coaches who help make Pride Night a meaningful celebration.\u201d<\/p>\n Some Giants fans<\/a> ultimately took more issue with how the organization has responded to the protest than the protest from the players themselves \u2014 although players were not spared from expressions of disappointment<\/a>. On Tuesday, a couple\u00a0dozen fans wore Pride-themed Giants gear and brought signs protesting the organization outside of Oracle Park over what they thought was a milquetoast response by the Giants.<\/p>\n \u201cI think it\u2019s really lacking and disappointing,\u201d Karen Wilson, a Giants fan from Sonoma, told SFGATE during the protest.<\/p>\n She added, \u201cI think they could be more human about it and acknowledge the history of San Francisco and the community here. Just talk to us like we\u2019re smart adults and own up to making a mistake.\u201d<\/p>\n