Los Angeles, CA – Another powerful voice has joined the growing wave of Major League Baseball players speaking out against the perceived politicization of America’s pastime. Anthony Banda, veteran pitcher and widely respected figure in the Los Angeles Dodgers clubhouse, has announced that he will boycott the upcoming MLB Pride Night, citing concerns about ideological overreach in professional sports.

Anthony Banda Speaks Out: “Baseball is not a battleground for beliefs”

In an exclusive interview following the Dodgers’ Monday afternoon practice, Banda made his stance clear:

“This isn’t about hate. It’s about focus. On the field, the heart should be on the ball — not on the WOKE. I didn’t come here to push ideologies. I came here to pitch and play the game I love.”

Banda, known for his humble leadership and quiet influence among teammates, emphasized that his decision is not rooted in animosity toward any group, but rather a call to return the focus of the sport to the game itself.

A Growing Movement Within MLB?

Banda’s boycott follows similar actions by high-profile players such as Jeremy Peña of the Astros, Anthony Volpe of the Yankees, and Dustin May of the Dodgers — all of whom have expressed discomfort with MLB Pride events, particularly when participation is seen as expected or symbolic rather than voluntary.

With Banda stepping forward, it now appears that a pattern of quiet resistance is gaining momentum, as some players seek to draw a clear line between the game and external social campaigns.

Social Media Firestorm: Support and Backlash

Following Banda’s statement, reactions exploded across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and Instagram. Hashtags like #BandaSpeaksTruth and #BandaBigotry trended within hours, as fans, pundits, and activists weighed in.

One fan tweeted:

“Anthony Banda just said what a lot of players are thinking but are too scared to admit. Sports should be sports.”

Meanwhile, LGBTQ+ advocacy groups have condemned the remarks, calling them “insensitive” and “a setback for inclusivity in baseball.”

Dodgers Organization Responds Cautiously

The Dodgers released a short official statement in response:

“We value every member of our team and respect diverse viewpoints. The Dodgers remain committed to celebrating Pride Night as a gesture of support and inclusion for our fans and community.”

As of now, Banda has not been disciplined or sanctioned for his remarks, and sources inside the Dodgers organization suggest that the team is aiming to keep the matter internal.

What Does Banda’s Boycott Entail?

Anthony Banda has not indicated that he will sit out the actual game scheduled during Pride Night. Instead, he will abstain from wearing Pride-themed gear or participating in pre-game ceremonies or photo ops that align with the event.

This form of symbolic protest mirrors actions taken by other MLB players in past seasons — acts that have sparked similar debates over freedom of belief versus team unity.

Baseball at a Crossroads: Inclusivity vs. Individual Conviction

As Pride Nights become more entrenched in MLB’s calendar, league leadership is facing mounting pressure to balance inclusivity with respect for personal and religious beliefs.

Banda’s boycott has reignited conversations about whether players should be expected to endorse causes, even symbolically, and how teams should handle differing views within the clubhouse.

Some argue that refusing to participate in Pride Night undermines efforts to make baseball a welcoming environment for all. Others believe that forced gestures of solidarity risk becoming performative and divisive.

Conclusion

Anthony Banda’s statement adds yet another layer to an already complex and emotionally charged issue. His decision underscores a growing tension between modern social activism and traditional sporting values — a divide that Major League Baseball must carefully navigate if it hopes to remain a truly unifying American institution.

As the Dodgers prepare for Pride Night, all eyes will be on how the team, the league, and the public continue to respond to this increasingly vocal group of dissenting players.