Senator Josh Hawley, R-Mo., has described Major League Baseball's revised stance on players writing Bible verses on caps as a "great outcome," asserting that the league has admitted wrongdoing. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred sent a letter to Hawley indicating that players will not face discipline for expressing their religious beliefs on their uniforms.

In an appearance on "The Will Cain Show," Hawley stated that Manfred's letter acknowledged that the commissioner "should not have warned ‘the players.’" Hawley further explained that Manfred affirmed players are "entitled to not wear the uniforms, that they’re entitled to express their religious beliefs." According to Hawley, Manfred also stated, "No player will ever be disciplined or fined for their religious beliefs."

"I don’t frankly care who he blames for it so long as he admits that he’s wrong, so long as players’ religious liberty rights are protected," Hawley said. He emphasized that the commissioner's response was made directly to him and that "no player, on any club, will be required to wear these kinds of political-messaging uniforms." He also noted that "no one will be discriminated against on the basis of their religious faith."

Hawley criticized MLB's initial response, calling the situation "ridiculous" and "stupid." He indicated that he had threatened to bring the commissioner before the Senate and put him under oath to address the league's actions. "It’s right that Major League Baseball admits they had a big screw-up here, and it’s right that the first amendment is protected in Major League Baseball," Hawley stated. "I hope it will be moving forward."

The controversy arose when several San Francisco Giants pitchers, including Landen Roupp, JT Brubaker, and Ryan Walker, wrote Bible verses on their caps during the team's Pride Night game on June 12. Roupp wrote "Gen 9:12-16," referencing a passage about God's covenant after the flood.

Initially, MLB had stated that writing on the caps violated league rules against players altering their uniforms. Manfred's letter to Hawley clarified that the rule, which was collectively bargained with the MLB Players Association, prohibits messages on apparel or equipment. However, Manfred added that "the policy is enforced without regard to the substance of the messaging," and that while the rule's purpose is to prevent political or social messaging, freedom of religion falls under First Amendment protections, aligning with Hawley's argument.

One Giants player, relief pitcher Sam Hentges, opted not to wear the themed cap during the game, choosing instead to wear the team's standard hat.

Hawley concluded his remarks by urging a return to focus on "God and country and playing some baseball, and stop all these woke garbage."