Missouri U.S. Senator Josh Hawley is demanding answers from Major League Baseball after three San Francisco Giants pitchers were warned for writing Bible verses on their caps during a Pride Night game. Hawley gave Commissioner Rob Manfred a Friday, June 19, 2026, deadline to respond to his letter.
Major League Baseball says the messages violated its uniform policy.
In a conversation with Missourinet, Hawley questioned that explanation.
“I want to hear from him why it is, after five and six years of forcing his players to adopt the most controversial political messaging… now when players who are personally religious want to write a Bible verse on their uniform, that’s suddenly a violation of the rules,” Hawley said. “No, I don’t think so.”
He also pointed to what he says are previous concerns involving player expression.
“We know from another Major League Baseball team, the Washington Nationals, that they deliberately discriminated against a Catholic player… this is ridiculous,” he said.
Hawley argues the warnings target players for their religious beliefs.
“It appears to be a huge problem at the management level… they’re using that sweetheart deal with the federal government to go after people of faith,” he said.
If he does not receive a response, Hawley says he will push for Manfred to testify before Congress.
“If I don’t get responses by the deadline, I’m going to ask the commissioner to come before the United States Senate… he ought to explain himself to the country,” Hawley said.
Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway is also weighing in, urging Major League Baseball not to discipline players over Pride Night decisions and warning of possible legal action if she does not get a response by June 25th.
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