San Francisco, known for its progressive and liberal values, is making a surprising move that has shocked many. The Giants’ new manager, Bob Melvin, has implemented a mandate requiring all players to stand during the national anthem before each game. This change is a stark contrast to the policies of former manager Gabe Kapler, who kneeled during the anthem and refused to take the field after a mass shooting in 2022.
Melvin, who took over as manager in October of 2023, spoke to USA Today about the new mandate, stating that it is more about showing the other team that they are ready to play. He believes that it displays a sense of unity and team spirit. This change marks a departure from the previous manager’s stance and shows a shift towards a more traditional approach to the national anthem.
In the past, Kapler has kneeled during the anthem as a form of protest against social and racial injustice in the country. He also chose not to come out for the anthem following the 2020 death of George Floyd. However, Melvin has made it clear that he does not plan on following the same path as his predecessor. He views standing for the national anthem as something to be embraced, not a protest or statement.
For Melvin, the decision is not about politics or the past, but about the team’s readiness to play. He wants the other team to take notice and knows that standing for the anthem is a simple way to achieve that. According to the new manager, the team has embraced the change, and it has brought a new level of camaraderie and determination to the clubhouse.
Melvin has a long history of success as a manager, with a record of .516 over 20 seasons. He spent the majority of his career with the Oakland Athletics and received the American League Manager of the Year award in 2012. His success and experience make his opinion and decision on the national anthem mandate highly respected.
While the national anthem has been a source of controversy in recent years, particularly in the NFL, it seems that the MLB is taking a different approach. The league began playing the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” ahead of high-profile games since the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests. However, they have quietly scaled back on these displays of virtue signaling, including removing the “End Racism” banner from end zones.
The politicization of the national anthem has been an ongoing issue in sports, and it is refreshing to see a team taking a united stance on the matter. With the Giants standing as a team, it sends a message of unity and determination, rather than division and controversy. It also shows a shift away from the divisive political climate that has surrounded the national anthem in recent years.
While some may view Melvin’s decision as controversial, it is ultimately a personal choice and one that should be respected. His focus on the team’s readiness and unity is something that should be commended, as it can only benefit the Giants on the field. Only time will tell if this change will have any impact on the team’s performance, but for now, it seems to be bringing a new level of cohesion and determination to the team.
In a city like San Francisco, known for its progressive and liberal values, it is unexpected to see a mandate to stand during the national anthem. However, with the Giants now embracing this tradition, it shows that values like unity and togetherness can transcend political beliefs. As the MLB season continues, it will be interesting to see the impact of this change and if other teams will follow suit. Regardless, the Giants and their fans can take pride in knowing that they are standing strong together, united in their love for the game.
