Ex-MLB star rips ‘gay sh*t’ after ‘Pride’ flag shown on big screen during national anthem

A former professional baseball player called out the league for giving fans a “lecture” instead of entertainment and demanded they “stop the gay sh*t.”

Former Atlanta Braves pitcher John Rocker set off debate after his comments about the baseball community’s LGBTQ support stirred both outrage and support.

Rocker, who retired after the 2003 season, is no stranger to controversy, as his past comments have proven. And as Pride events rolled out at stadiums with the start of June, Rocker once again garnered attention for his criticism of MLB.

“MLB needs to stop the gay sh*t,” he wrote on X Sunday. “Baseball fans want a show, not a lecture.”

MLB needs to stop the gay shit.

Baseball fans want a show, not a lecture.

— JohnRocker (@itsJohnRocker) June 15, 2025

The post came on the heels of another criticizing the New York Mets after the rainbow-colored Pride flag was displayed on the screen instead of the American flag. Notably, this occurred during the national anthem on Friday, one day before Flag Day.

I’VE SAID IT FOR DECADES…

FUCK NEW YORK https://t.co/BPYUMqYa0T

— JohnRocker (@itsJohnRocker) June 15, 2025

Before the start of the MLB game between the Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays, a group of drag queens made an appearance on the field in Fenway Park’s annual Pride Night.

The Boston Red Sox’s annual Pride Night saw a group of drag queens welcomed on the field in Fenway Park—after putting on a pre-game drag show. pic.twitter.com/JsCJGHFKdF

— Julia (@Jules31415) June 15, 2025

A special ceremonial first pitch kicked off Pride Night at Fenway, celebrating diversity, inclusion, and community at the ballpark! pic.twitter.com/M0uWCH9UmH

— NESN (@NESN) June 9, 2025

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw shared a religious message to make it clear that the rainbow was created by God, as the team was made to sport Pride-themed hats.

Shoutout to Los Angeles Dodgers Pitcher Clayton Kershaw, who wrote Genesis 9:12-16 on his Pride hat to remind everyone that the rainbow is a sign of God’s covenant pic.twitter.com/YMJAlxlNU7

— Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) June 14, 2025

Thank you all for helping us celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Night at Dodger Stadium. pic.twitter.com/zMStsZ7uiZ

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 14, 2025

While Rocker got his share of backlash for demanding Major League Baseball “stop the gay sh*t,” many other social media users echoed his sentiments.

Amen brother.

— BassSlayer (@Jortez82) June 15, 2025

It’s not like mlb is selling out the parks anyways. I love baseball, but this isn’t the game I grew up playing.

— E Haynes (@nbacharlotte84) June 15, 2025

Long done with MLB

— Coach Marshall (@Hoganknows) June 15, 2025

@MLB he’s right. You’re losing fans like me to cater to a small group that isn’t your audience.

— TheRealSalDePaol️ (@DepaolaSal) June 16, 2025

We want this from all sports John. Just play the game, compete, and let us enjoy our escape from everyday life and politics.

— ️ Lou Bozada ️ (@BozadaLou) June 15, 2025

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Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida where she has been writing for the BizPacReview team since 2015.

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