(LifeSiteNews) — Los Angeles Dodgers star pitcher Clayton Kershaw disagrees with his team’s decision to welcome the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, though he is not willing to protest their appearance.
“I just don’t think that, no matter what religion you are, you should make fun of somebody else’s religion,” the 16-year veteran told the Los Angeles Times in late May.
The Dodgers have come under fire from a wide array of Catholic bishops and laity after re-inviting the debauched drag troupe to their annual Pride Night game on June 16.
Before speaking with the Times, Kershaw organized a players-only meeting. It is not known what was said at the meeting. Kershaw did, however, inform the Times he does not plan on boycotting Pride Night.
“This has nothing to do with the LGBTQ community or pride or anything like that,” he explained. “As a follower of Christ, we’re supposed to love everybody.”
Before relocating to Los Angeles in 1958, the Dodgers called Brooklyn, New York their home. The team famously signed Jackie Robinson in 1947 as the first black player in league history. They have been one of the most successful franchises in MLB history, with their most recent World Series coming in 2020.
The Times reports that Kershaw contacted Dodgers’ upper management to share his thoughts on their decision, and that it was his idea to speed up the announcement of “Christian Faith Day” on July 30, an event that hasn’t taken place since 2019, allegedly due to COVID protocols.
Excited to announce the relaunch of Christian Faith and Family Day at Dodger Stadium on July 30th. More details to come— but we are grateful for the opportunity to talk about Jesus and determined to make it bigger and better than it was before COVID. Hope to see you on July 30th! pic.twitter.com/yNu7HyEgR9
— Clayton Kershaw (@ClaytonKersh22) May 26, 2023
Several other MLB players have condemned the team’s decision, including Dodgers reliever Blake Treinen, who noted that the Sisters’ performances are filled with “hate and mockery of Catholics and the Christian faith.” Washington National pitcher Trevor Williams, a devout Catholic, likewise said he was “deeply troubled” by the Dodgers’ decision.
— Trevor Williams (@MeLlamoTrevor) May 30, 2023
An organization called “Catholic Athletes for Christ” denounced the team’s decision as well. The group was founded in 2006 and was supported by Dodgers’ broadcaster Vin Scully, who passed away in August 2022.
Kershaw, 35, is a sure-fire Hall of Famer. His career 203-91 record and lifetime 2.50 earned run average puts him among the best pitchers to have ever played the game. He and his wife Ellen are high school sweethearts. They operate a Christian-themed charity called Kershaw’s Challenge that raises money for children.
The Dodgers are currently owned by Guggenheim Baseball Management, a consortium of individuals that includes basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson of Los Angeles Lakers fame. Front office personnel includes Mark Walter (Owner and Chairman), Steve Kasten (President & CEO), Andrew Friedman (President of Baseball Operations), and Lon Rosen (Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer). For respectful contact only, please call (866)-363-4377 x9.