Chicago White Sox ace Garrett Crochet, one of the breakout stars of the 2024 season, has unexpectedly landed in the middle of a heated national debate — not because of his pitching, but because of a 12-word statement about Pride Month that has MLB officials and fans deeply divided.
Following a routine postgame interview earlier this week, a reporter asked Crochet whether he had any thoughts on the White Sox’s upcoming Pride Night at Guaranteed Rate Field. Without flinching, Crochet replied:
“I throw strikes, not slogans. Let’s keep baseball about the game.”
Those words — seemingly simple — have triggered a social and media firestorm that is now reverberating throughout the league.
Backlash and Applause Flood In
Supporters of LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports quickly criticized Crochet’s comment as dismissive and tone-deaf, especially during a month dedicated to celebrating and supporting a historically marginalized community. LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, fellow athletes, and some fans have expressed disappointment, accusing the young pitcher of minimizing the importance of visibility and inclusion.
On the other side, some fans and commentators praised Crochet for “standing up for focus in sports” and resisting what they see as “forced politics in baseball.” The result is a deeply polarized response — with hashtags like #StrikeNotSlogans, #PrideInBaseball, and #GarrettCrochet trending in different corners of social media.
MLB Caught in the Middle
According to sources within MLB’s front office, league executives were blindsided by the comment and are now grappling with how — or whether — to respond. Crochet, though not yet a household name like Aaron Judge or Mookie Betts, has quickly become one of the White Sox’s most recognizable figures due to his breakout performance this season.
“This puts MLB in a tough spot,” one insider said. “He didn’t say anything explicitly hateful — but the tone matters. It could be seen as undermining what Pride Month represents.”
White Sox Yet to Respond
As of now, the Chicago White Sox have not released a public statement. The team’s Pride Night remains on the schedule, but the event’s community partners are reportedly monitoring the situation closely. Some are calling on Crochet to clarify his stance — or at least acknowledge the impact of his words.
A Defining Moment for a Rising Star
At just 25 years old, Crochet has been praised for his maturity on the mound and his leadership in the clubhouse. But this off-field controversy is new territory — and how he handles the backlash could shape not just public perception, but the arc of his career as a public figure.
Will he double down? Will he clarify? Or will he let the storm pass?
Whatever he decides, Garrett Crochet’s 12 words have become the latest lightning rod in the growing conversation about identity, politics, and purpose in professional sports.
More to come as this story unfolds.
