Stefan Mychajliw: Tom, what's the big controversy with the San Francisco Giants and Pride Night?
Tom Barton: "Players are pushing back against being required to participate in Pride Night activities. Some responded by putting Bible verses on their hats. We've seen that before with Clayton Kershaw, and Major League Baseball made it clear players couldn't do it and could be fined."
Stefan Mychajliw: That drew criticism from members of Congress.
Tom Barton: "Absolutely. The argument is you can't allow one form of expression while prohibiting another. That's where a lot of the backlash came from."
Stefan Mychajliw: I was curious about the Long Island Ducks because they're our hometown team. I checked their schedule and noticed they don't have a Pride Night. You reached out to them. What did they say?
Tom Barton: "The Ducks gave us a statement from President and Chief Business Officer Michael Pfaff. He said the Long Island Ducks are an independently operated professional baseball club. While they partner with Major League Baseball on some things, MLB does not direct or control their promotional schedule, community initiatives or business operations."
Stefan Mychajliw: So they're not required to follow Major League Baseball's promotional calendar?
Tom Barton: "Exactly. They don't have to hold a Pride Night, and they don't have to avoid one. They're independent and make those decisions themselves."
Stefan Mychajliw: So they're not taking a position one way or the other?
Tom Barton: "No. They're simply saying this is their organization, their schedule and their decision. They're not affiliated with Major League Baseball, so they're not part of this controversy."
Stefan Mychajliw: What was your biggest takeaway from the Ducks' response?
Tom Barton: "They're being smart. They aren't weighing in on the debate. Their message is straightforward: we're independent, we're not governed by Major League Baseball, and this controversy doesn't involve us."