San Francisco Giants’ new manager, Bob Melvin, has introduced a notable change for his team in his inaugural season with the franchise, evident during spring training. Melvin has mandated that every individual in the team’s dugout stand for the national anthem, and he elaborated on his decision.
“It’s all about the perception that we’re out there ready to play,” Melvin stated, as reported by The Athletic. “That’s it. You want your team ready to play, and I want the other team to notice it, too. It’s as simple as that.”
Melvin emphasized that his decision is not politically motivated, contrasting with the actions of the team’s former manager, Gabe Kapler. K
apler ceased appearing on the field during the national anthem in 2022 following a mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, and kneeled in protest for multiple games in 2020 after the killing of George Floyd triggered protests nationwide.
“Look, we’re a new team here. We got some good players here,” Melvin emphasized during a statement on Friday, as reported by USA Today. “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.”
