UMVA has learned that San Francisco Giants pitcher Landen Roupp took a bold stance during the team's Pride Night on Friday, reclaiming the rainbow symbol with a powerful message. He wrote a Bible verse on his cap, specifically Genesis 9:12-16, as the organization celebrated LGBTQ pride at Oracle Park.
The gesture was a striking move, especially considering Roupp was wearing the special black Pride Night hat featuring a rainbow-colored "SF" logo. By adding the silver lettering with the Bible verse, Roupp aimed to shift the focus to God's covenant with Noah, using the rainbow as a sign of His promise.
The verses, Genesis 9:12-16, describe God's covenant with Noah after the flood, promising never to destroy the earth with water again. Roupp's actions sparked a mix of reactions, with some praising his bold expression of faith and others criticizing the move as insensitive.
Reliever JT Brubaker joined Roupp in expressing his faith, writing "Genesis 9:13-15" on his cap. Another reliever, Ryan Walker, also added a similar reference on the side of his hat. However, not all players were on board with the Pride Night celebration, as left-handed reliever Sam Hentges chose not to wear the Pride hat, opting for the team's regular orange cap instead.
After the game, which the Giants lost 5-1, Roupp explained his decision to reporters, emphasizing that his gesture was meant to point people toward "God's covenant and the promise that He makes to us." He stressed that there was "no hate at all" behind his actions, adding that it's just what he stands for and believes in.
Roupp's actions were not isolated, as another Christian San Francisco Giants pitcher, Sam Hentges, also took a stand by refusing to wear the Pride hat. The event itself featured same-sex couples renewing their marriage vows on the field, a performance of the national anthem by an LGBTQ-friendly nondenominational church, and the distribution of rainbow-themed promo items.
This incident is not the first time a Major League Baseball player has used the same Bible passage during a team Pride Night. A similar instance occurred last season when a Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher wrote the identical verses on his cap during his team's Pride event.
