In a surprising turn of events, MLB pitcher Anthony Bass faced a chorus of boos and jeers from his own home audience during his return game. This reaction followed the posting of videos in which he voiced support for boycotting Target and Bud Light.
During Wednesday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Bass, a 35-year-old reliever for the Toronto Blue Jays, entered the field with his team trailing 4-2.
The controversy started when Bass shared a video on his Instagram Stories by a creative individual named Ryan Miller. The video encouraged Christians to join boycotts against Target, which had faced criticism for its Pride Month collection.
The issue further escalated when Bud Light announced its partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney back in March.
Recognizing the backlash, Bass expressed regret just two days later. In a concise statement, he vowed to address the situation promptly. “Many of my close friends and family members are part of the Pride community, and I sincerely apologize for the post I shared yesterday that offended them,” Bass stated.
Bass also shared that he had spoken with his team about the incident and expressed his apologies to them. At present, he is utilizing the Blue Jays’ facilities to educate himself on making better choices in the future.
The Blue Jays had released a statement prior to Bass’s remarks, emphasizing that individual player sentiments do not necessarily reflect the club’s beliefs.
Interestingly, as Bass warmed up on the field, the CN Tower illuminated the sky with rainbow hues, lending an apt backdrop to the unfolding situation.
The Blue Jays are set to host Pride Weekend on June 9-10, showcasing their support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Despite Bass pitching a perfect ninth inning, the Blue Jays ultimately suffered a loss in the game.