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Mookie Betts He fell to his knees during the national anthem before his first game with the Dodgers on Thursday … and some of his teammates, including the National League MVP Cody Bellinger, showed great support for the movement.
The new superstar outfielder showed his dismay at social injustice in America by kneeling for the song before the Dodgers starter against the Giants … and Bellinger and Max muncy she quickly jumped to his side.
Belli put her right hand on Betts ‘left shoulder, while Muncy put her left hand on Betts’ right … and then, the new Dodgers star said he hopes his actions can bring about change.
“I know my father served and I will never disrespect the flag,” said Betts, “but there must also be a change in the world, and kneeling has nothing to do with those who served our country.”
Mookie added: “Today was just to unify both sides and just to show that we are here for change.”
Betts says he is unsure whether he will continue to kneel throughout the season … he told reporters he wants to focus more on tangible action rather than future protests.
“I think kneeling down is definitely something that shows we need a change,” Betts said, “but I also have to put some action on the line so far from MLB.”
No other Dodgers joined Betts on their knees … however, several Giants players continued their tradition of kneeling on the opposite baseline.
Meanwhile, Major League Baseball did its part by acknowledging the fight for racial equality on opening day Thursday … played videos of Black Lives Matter before the Dodgers game and the Yankees-Nationals game.
The league also had players band together to hold up a long sheet of black cloth … while many others in the Yankees, Nationals, Giants, and Dodgers knelt to show unity just before national anthems began to play.
Several players also wore Black Lives Matter patches on their sleeves … while pitchers threw on mounds that had BLM etched on them.
