The York Revolution, an independent Minor League Baseball team, has chosen not to participate in its scheduled Pride Night game on Thursday, June 18. This decision aligns with the players’ refusal to don jerseys adorned with a rainbow motif, leading the team to forfeit the match.
The forfeiture was announced ahead of what was to be the team’s 11th annual Pride Night, originally planned against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs.
“Reaching this conclusion was challenging,” the team expressed in a statement. “Regrettably, some players were uncomfortable with the planned Pride Night jersey, and we prioritized hosting the event over compelling players to wear attire they opposed.”
Despite the forfeiture, the team intends to proceed with the Pride Night festivities at WallShare Park. The event promises to be an enjoyable, complimentary celebration from 5:30 to 9:00 PM.
The York Revolution emphasized that the players’ actions stand in contrast to the team’s goal of making their games the “Most Welcoming Place in York.”
“As a small token of our regret for the last-minute change of plans and support for our LGBTQIA+ representing partners we are making a $10,000 donation to the Rainbow Rose Center to support and further their work in making sure the York community is as inclusive as we strive to make WellSpan Park in York, Pennsylvania.”
The team went on to say that tickets for Thursday night’s game may be exchanged for any of their remaining home games of the 2026 season.
The topic of wearing Pride Night themed apparel during baseball games has been a trending topic that has received backlash over the last month. On June 5, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Treinen was seen wearing the Dodgers regular blue hat while the rest of the team wore the Pride Night themed hat.
On June 12, three pitchers from the San Francisco Giants altered their Pride Night themed hats by adding bible verses on it, which resulted in the MLB issuing a warning to players for modifying their hats by adding bible verses.