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MLB Opening Day Record TV Numbers Coincides with Prominent Shows of Solidarity with Black Lives Matter Movement
Some fans’ anger over kneeling didn’t stop the first games of the season from drawing huge viewing numbers
The New York Yankees and Washington Nationals kicked off the 2020 Major League Baseball season on July 23rd. Although the Yankees took the game 4–1 in a weather-shortened six innings, what most people were talking about was a pre-game ceremony that saw all players, managers and coaches from both teams kneel i in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. The display was lauded by many but also criticized by others; some of whom went as far to say they would no longer follow baseball as a result. However, if early returns are any indication, the shows of solidarity were a smashing success.
Interestingly, nobody from either team knelt during the national anthem. While their pre-game show of support was a nice gesture, it was still not a full commitment of support to Black Lives Matter. That didn’t stop fans from voicing their anger and intention to ditch the game because of the teams down on one knee:
