In a move that’s drawn national attention for yet another year, the Texas Rangers remain the only team in Major League Baseball without a Pride Night celebration on their schedule. But in a surprising twist, Rangers head coach Bruce Bochy has now spoken publicly on the issue—offering an explanation that has left fans both stunned and divided.
In a media session following Tuesday night’s game against the Detroit Tigers, Bochy was asked directly about the team’s continued absence from the league-wide trend of celebrating LGBTQ+ inclusion through Pride Nights. His response, while respectful in tone, sparked immediate reaction.
“This isn’t about rejecting anyone,” Bochy said. “This organization has always prioritized unity, and in doing so, we’ve made a conscious choice to avoid political or social stances that could divide our fanbase. That includes Pride Night, and any themed night that might inadvertently make some groups feel excluded.”
A Controversial Philosophy
Bochy’s comments echo what many have suspected for years—that the Rangers’ refusal isn’t necessarily rooted in opposition to LGBTQ+ rights, but rather a strategy of staying ‘neutral’ on hot-button cultural issues.
“We want everyone in our stadium to feel comfortable—whatever their background, beliefs, or values,” Bochy added. “When we host nights like Mexican Heritage Night or HBCU Day, we’re celebrating history and culture. Pride, for better or worse, has become deeply politicized. And we’ve chosen not to go there.”
The statement immediately trended on social media under hashtags like #RangersPride and #MLBEquality, with many fans and commentators calling the reasoning “a convenient excuse for exclusion.” Others defended Bochy’s candor, praising his willingness to speak plainly about the team’s stance.
A Lone Stand in MLB
Since the Los Angeles Dodgers launched the first Pride Night in 2000, the tradition has grown rapidly across the league. As of this season, 29 out of 30 MLB teams will host LGBTQ+ events during June or at other points in the season.
Even traditionally conservative franchises like the Houston Astros adopted the celebration in 2021—and are set to hold this year’s Pride Night on June 20 at Minute Maid Park.
The Rangers, meanwhile, have opted out every year. In past seasons, they’ve released general statements emphasizing their commitment to diversity and inclusion, without directly addressing why Pride Night is excluded.
In 2023, the organization told reporters:
“We strive to make Globe Life Field a welcoming environment for all. We continue to support numerous organizations that serve marginalized communities and host inclusive theme nights throughout the season.”
Those themed nights include Hispanic Heritage Night, Mexican Heritage Night, and HBCU Diamond Day—but not Pride Night.
Participation… On the Road
Ironically, the Rangers will technically participate in a Pride Night event later this month—but only as the visiting team. On June 25, they’ll face the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards, where the Orioles will be hosting their own Pride Night festivities.
This has only added to the scrutiny.
“So they’re fine with Pride Night as long as it’s someone else’s event?” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “That’s not neutrality—it’s avoidance.”
Fans React
The fan base is split. Some season ticket holders have voiced frustration that their team continues to isolate itself on this issue, particularly as LGBTQ+ representation and inclusion in sports gains more visibility.
Others, however, say they respect the organization’s position.
“I appreciate that the Rangers just focus on baseball,” said John, a long-time Arlington fan. “Not everything needs to be a statement.”
But LGBTQ+ advocacy groups disagree. GLAAD, in a statement issued Wednesday morning, criticized the Rangers for hiding behind “false neutrality.”
“Pride Night is not a political act—it’s a message that everyone is welcome,” the statement read. “By refusing to participate, the Rangers are sending a message too. And it’s not one of inclusion.”
The Bigger Picture
With increasing pressure on sports franchises to represent the communities they serve, the Rangers may find it harder to maintain their current stance. MLB has not publicly criticized the team, but sources say that internal conversations have taken place between league executives and Rangers management over the past year.
For now, though, the Texas Rangers remain the lone holdout in a league that otherwise stands united—at least symbolically—with the LGBTQ+ community.
Whether Bochy’s comments signal a permanent position or just a moment of transparency remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: in 2025, the debate around inclusion in sports is far from over.
