Blue Jays P Anthony Bass apologizes for ‘hurting’ Instagram post in support of anti-LGBTQ+ boycotts

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Anthony Bass apologized Tuesday for taking to social media to express his support for Target and Bud Light’s anti-LGBTQ+ boycotts.

Bass shared a post on his Instagram Stories Monday urging others to disapprove of American companies for their support of the LGBTQ+ community.

Both companies are dealing with the fallout from these campaigns, which have included hostile and homophobic criticism, as well as calls from LGBTQ+ activists not to back down in front of anti-LGBTQ+ groups.

The right-handed reliever made a brief statement on the field but didn’t answer questions before the Blue Jays hosted Milwaukee.

“I realize that yesterday I wrote a post that was hurtful to the Pride community, which includes friends and close family of mine,” Bass said. “I am really sorry.”

Anthony Bass apologized for an Instagram post supporting anti-LGBTQ+ boycotts

Bass said he reached out to his teammates about the controversial post and apologized to them for sharing it.

“Right now I’m using the Blue Jays’ resources to better educate myself and make better decisions going forward,” Bass said. “The ballpark is for everyone.” We involve all the fans in the ballpark. We want to welcome everyone. That’s all I have to say.’

Manager John Schneider said Bass apologized to him and general manager Ross Atkins when he arrived at the stadium on Tuesday. Schneider suggested Bass speak to the team.

June is Toronto’s Pride Month with an accompanying festival that is one of Ontario’s largest. More than 200,000 protesters and over two million spectators are expected at Toronto’s annual Pride Parade on June 25th.

Schneider said Bass’ contribution “does not reflect our overall feelings as an organization.”

The Blue Jays are celebrating Pride weekend on Friday, June 9th and 10th and plan to give out 15,000 rainbow flag jerseys on Friday night.

“The message to the fanbase is that we are and will continue to be a huge part of the Pride community,” said Schneider.

Schneider said the Blue Jays have not discussed disciplining Bass.

The 35-year-old bass said he’s “using the Blue Jays’ resources to educate me better.”

Bass has played 20 games this season, averaging a 4.50 ERA with 18 strikeouts

Pride nights have created divisions between the sports in recent years. On Monday, Los Angeles Dodgers star Clayton Kershaw told the Los Angeles Times that he was concerned with his team’s recent decision to welcome a satirical LGBTQ+ group called “Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence” to the team’s annual Pride Night , disagree.

Last season, several Tampa Bay Rays players referred to their Christian faith and refused to wear Pride jerseys.

Earlier this year, Bass sparked criticism when he posted a tweet complaining that a flight attendant had asked his pregnant wife to clean up the popcorn their toddler spilled on the floor during a flight.

Now in his twelfth season, Bass has also pitched for San Diego, Houston, Texas, the Chicago Cubs, Seattle and Miami. He’s 0-0 with a 4.50 ERA in 20 games this season.