Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw quietly sparked conversation during the team’s 12th annual Pride Night by wearing a rainbow-themed hat — but with a surprising twist. Though the rainbow Dodgers logo aligned with the event’s LGBTQ+ celebration, Kershaw subtly shifted its focus to a biblical interpretation of the rainbow.
Sharp-eyed fans noticed that Kershaw had handwritten “Genesis 9:12-16” on the front of his cap. This Bible passage references God’s covenant with Noah, marking the rainbow as a symbol of divine promise rather than simply modern identity.
What Does Genesis 9:12-16 Say About the Rainbow?
The passage reads in part:
“This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the cloud…”
By referencing this scripture, Kershaw appeared to gently reclaim the rainbow’s biblical origins, reinforcing his Christian values without overt confrontation.
Not the First Time Kershaw Has Spoken Out
This subtle gesture follows Kershaw’s public opposition in 2023 to the Dodgers’ decision to honor the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a group known for parodying religious imagery.
“I don’t agree with making fun of other people’s religions,” Kershaw said at the time. “This has nothing to do with Pride or the LGBTQ community. It’s about respecting faith.”
Despite disagreeing with the team’s decision that year, he did not boycott Pride Night and emphasized that his concern was with religious mockery, not the broader LGBTQ+ event.
Balancing Faith and Inclusion in the MLB
Friday’s game against the San Francisco Giants saw the Dodgers fall 6-2, with Kershaw not appearing on the mound. Yet his presence made waves, not because of his pitch, but because of his quiet yet powerful expression of faith.
Wearing a hat that merges a Pride symbol with a Bible reference may seem contradictory, but for Kershaw, it seems to be an attempt to bridge beliefs — participating in the team’s event while staying true to his Christian convictions.
Why This Matters
In an age of increasing social expression in sports, Kershaw’s approach stands out. He didn’t protest, boycott, or speak aggressively. Instead, he chose a calm and symbolic act to share his values.
As conversations around faith, identity, and inclusion continue in professional sports, Kershaw’s gesture is a reminder that it’s possible to participate while also making a personal statement — respectfully and without hate.
