Diversity and religion return to major league baseball

Another pitcher working in the major leagues had to explain himself publicly about a publication on social networks that was not very complimentary towards the LGBTQ2S + community.

After Toronto Blue Jays reliever Anthony Bass in late May, Boston Red Sox starter Matt Dermody spoke to reporters about the sensitive topic. When he wore the colors of the Saitama Lions, in the Japanese baseball league, in June 2021, he called homosexuality a sin on Twitter, while evoking his Christian faith and integrating an excerpt from the Bible. Although the Gunner later deleted his post, the story didn’t go unheard in the offices of the Boston Red Sox, who signed him in January.

Before making his first start of the season, Thursday against the Cleveland Guardians, Dermody spoke to Sox president Chaim Bloom, whose organization was unaware of the case before the signing of the contract.

“I regret this tweet which hurt a lot of people. The last thing I want to do is cause harm to others. Many believe that I am opposed to a group of people in particular, but I want everyone to go to heaven”, declared after the game to the daily “Boston Globe” the one who gave up three runs in four innings in a 10-3 loss. .

“Like all of our minor circuit players, Matt completed a mandatory harassment and discrimination prevention program in March. We cannot impose religious beliefs or political opinions on our athletes and employees. However, we want them to treat everyone on our team and at the stadium with respect and professionalism,” the Sox said in a statement to MassLive.

A disgruntled president

The same source collected Bloom’s comments on this subject. The latter believes that the pitcher has learned and the club is looking forward. “He understood that this is not an adequate use of the web platform. He knows he made a mistake, said the president. Of course, that doesn’t mean we endorse everything he said and believed. On the other hand, even if we want to create an inclusive environment, we have no right to play police and decide what people should believe.

In Toronto, Bass found himself in the spotlight for sharing a video urging a boycott of companies that showcased diversity. As part of the Jays’ annual Pride weekend, the apologetic was originally scheduled to receive the ceremonial throw by well-known LGBTQ2S+ activist, Zlie Lee Kam, ahead of Friday night’s game at the Rogers Center. However, in the afternoon, the Jays designated him for assignment.