Posted on 04/05/2021 11:40:05 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
ARLINGTON, Texas β On the morning of the Texas Rangers home opener β a game that will likely host 40,000 fans β Texas governor Greg Abbott is taking a stand against Major League Baseball.
"Thank you for the invitation to throw out the first pitch at the Texas Rangers' home opening game," Abbot said in a letter to Rangers COO Neil Leibman. "I was looking forward to itβuntil Major League Baseball adopted what has turned out to be a false narrative about the election law reforms in Georgia, and, based on that false narrative, moved the MLB All-Star Game from Atlanta.
"It is shameful that America's pastime is not only being influenced by partisan political politics, but also perpetuating false political narratives. The State of Texas was proud to help MLB host last season's National League playoff games and the World Series in Arlington. However, I will not participate in an event held by MLB, and the State will not seek to hose the All-Star Game or any other MLB special events."
Abbot went on to say the decision "does not diminish the deep respect" he has for the Rangers organization.
Last Friday, MLB decided to move its All-Star Game out of response to new Georgia legislation, stating that they "fundamentally support voting rights for all Americans and oppose restrictions to the ballot box."
MLB's stance has garnered a vast number of mixed reactions. While there are plenty who support MLB's move, Abbott's response to not participate in Monday's first pitch and rule out Texas as a potential host for the All-Star Game is the arguably the strongest rebuke thus far.
(Excerpt) Read more at si.com ...
Either Right Field or Pitcher.
Probably won’t be tossing them out of TX either.
Good on Greg! and its hard to throw the opening pitch in a wheelchair.
Very cool.
Another form of taking a knee.
Sports is now partisan politics, and it’s so popular because that is one of the places people flee to in order to get away from the stupidity around them.
MLB deserves whatever follows.
I wish someone would remind the Black folks that the Democrats kept them underfoot for years, even obstructing the civil rights act. Fair voting ensures civil rights for all. When you steal a vote, you are stealing it from an honest citizen.
What excuse did Joe Biden use?
More signs that SOME in the GOP are waking up (too late) and fighting back, albeit weakly.
I'd bet he's better than Fauci and Obama :)
Who owns the Stadium?? Were Taxpayer Funds used to build it?
Bravo!
Excellent π
Not amusing π
As such, they are wholeheartedly throwing their weight behind the Democrats, who will give the American store away in order to increase relations with the CCP.
MLB says they talked to "players, ownership and MLB staff" before making the decision.
You can bet that the essence of that "conversation" was:
"Hey look, we can make billions guaranteed in China if we can just stick it to Trump and those Republicans who want to "put America first". So, what do you say we stick it to the fair election laws that will hurt the Democrat party? To get deals with China we want Democrats in power!"
A moral decision? They sure won't be boycotting the CCP where there are NO voting rights, and their pursuit of "justice" stops at refusing to use slave labor to make their MLB merchandise.
It's so transparent it's pathetic.
I like Gov. Abbott but I don’t approve of this. Why condemn MLB for making a political response when your response also reeks of politics? The correct response might have been to lead by example and throw out the first pitch yet condemn the role of politics played by MLB?
Good. When the other side are bad sportsmen it’s OK to pick up the ball and go home.
I hear what you are saying but not sure that is the correct response.
After all Abbott is a politician. The MLB is not. Turf war. The media and cancel culture are being very bad sports, pardon the pun. Don’t play ball with them.
Behold as demonicRATS accuse Abbott of politicizing sports.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.