The San Francisco Giants are taking a stand — literally.
All those involved on the team, including 68 players, all the coaches, trainers and batboys, are going on the field for the national anthem before games, The Athletic reported.
This new move by the Giants is by design — manager Bob Melvin’s design.
“It shows that we’re ready to play,” Giants infielder Wilmer Flores said, according to The Athletic. “That’s the message we want to send to the other team. Even if you’re not playing, you’re engaged. You’re there to watch the game. It’s definitely something he wanted us to do. We’re here to play, right? I think it’s good. It doesn’t mean you’ll have a good result this season. But it’s a good way to start.”
This move is in stark contrast to former manager Gabe Kapler’s decision not to stand for the national anthem after the school shootings in Uvalde, Texas, in May 2022, The Athletic reported.
“Players were encouraged to do whatever they found most comfortable and convenient. As a result, the contingent of Giants players on the field for the anthem most days amounted to a handful: the starting position players already on the field to run sprints and the coaches who happened to be out early,” The Athletic reported.
But Melvin feels differently.
“It’s all about the perception that we’re out there ready to play,” Melvin said. “That’s it. You want your team ready to play and I want the other team to notice it, too. It’s really as simple as that.”
So far, the players have embraced the change.
“I think it sets the example of hey, we’re in this together,” said Giants outfielder and team union representative Austin Slater to The Athletic. “Whether you’re not playing that day or you’re a starting pitcher who threw yesterday, you’re still out there, on time, ready to be a good teammate. Once the anthem starts, we’re locked in on the game as a unit. There’s an inherent respect level, and not only to the older guys, but to your entire team. You’re there to be supportive.
“The other big part, and this might be the biggest, is you’re staying and watching the game and learning from the game. I think that’s important.”
Melvin has said this new rule has nothing to do with politics.
“Look, we’re a new team here, we got some good players here,” Melvin said and USA Today reported. “It’s more about letting the other side know that we’re ready to play. I want guys out here ready to go. There’s a personality to that.”
“It has nothing to do with whatever happened in the past or whatever, it’s just something I embrace.”