The San Francisco Giants arranged a radio interview with CEO Larry Baer this week but required the hosts to agree beforehand not to ask him any follow-up questions, according to a report from Yahoo Sports.
KNBR hosts John Dickinson and Dieter Kurtenbach were brought in for the interview in place of Buster Posey, the team's president of baseball operations, who had appeared in front of reporters earlier in the week and read a short statement before refusing to take questions. According to a report in the California Post, Dickinson and Kurtenbach received a Zoom call the night before the interview instructing them to stay clear of follow-up questions after Baer delivered his prepared remarks.
The interview took place on a team-sponsored radio show, giving the Giants a controlled setting in which to address a controversy that has followed the organization for two weeks.
The situation began when four Giants pitchers chose to protest Pride Night at Oracle Park. Some inscribed Bible verses on their rainbow-colored caps while others chose to wear the traditional orange and black Giants cap during the game. MLB reprimanded the pitchers for violating the league's uniform policy. The Department of Justice then opened an investigation into the league over religious discrimination.
Baer, in his prepared statement during the radio appearance, addressed the fans directly. "I know we've heard from many fans, and I know there are deep feelings about the events of Pride Night this year. We know it, we've heard, we're listening," Baer reportedly said. "Just come [sic] context here: It's a North Star here to create an experience in our ballpark for all fans, at Candlestick and Oracle Park, an experience that's welcoming to all fans. That has not changed. ... You know, look, yes, we've learned a lot in the last 11 days. Yes, we could have handled things better this year, for sure. We're absolutely committed to continuing conversations with the LGBTQ+ community going forward. That's where we are as an organization. ... I just wanted to deliver that message to the fans and move on. Let's talk about some other things."
The DOJ investigation into MLB remains active. The Giants have not announced any further scheduled appearances by team leadership to address the matter publicly.
