Why Are Baseball Players Wearing Yellow Armbands?
Contents
Have you noticed baseball players wearing yellow armbands lately and wondered what they’re for? Here’s the story behind this new trend.
Introduction
On August 16, 2016, Oakland Athletics rookie Bruce Maxwell became the first Major League Baseball player to kneel during the national anthem. Maxwell, who is biracial, said he was “standing up for my rights” and “taking a knee for the people who don’t have a voice.”
Since then, several other MLB players have joined Maxwell in kneeling or raising a fist during the anthem, including teammates Mark Canha and Ryan Buchter. Outfielder Seth Smith also wore an armband with the word “Equality” written on it.
The protests come amid a nationwide debate over racial injustice and police brutality. They also come at a time when baseball is trying to appeal to a younger and more diverse audience.
So why are baseball players wearing yellow armbands? Bruce Maxwell explained that the armbands are “a sign of solidarity” and that they represent “the unity that we have as a team.”
It’s also worth noting that August 16 is Major League Baseball’s annual “Turn Back the Clock” day, when teams wear throwback uniforms from different eras. The A’s were wearing jerseys from their 1968 season, which was also the year that Major League Baseball commemorated Jackie Robinson Day (April 15). Robinson famously broke baseball’s color barrier in 1947.
The players are supporting a cause
The players are supporting a cause,such as cancer awareness, by wearing yellow armbands. Wearing a yellow armband is a way to show support for a cause without having to say anything. It is a visual statement that can be seen by everyone.
The cause is to raise awareness for suicide prevention
The decision by Major League Baseball players to wear yellow armbands during games this week is part of a league-wide effort to raise awareness for suicide prevention.
The players will be wearing the armbands from September 4-10, which has been designated as National Suicide Prevention Week by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. According to the AFSP, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, and someone dies by suicide every 12.8 minutes.
“For every one person that dies by suicide, there are 25 more people who attempt it,” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. “We want to continue to bring attention to this important issue and let everyone know that they are not alone.”
Players and teams will also be participating in various events and activities throughout the week to help promote suicide prevention and mental health awareness.
The players are wearing the armbands to show their support
The players are wearing the armbands to show their support for the fight against cancer. Major League Baseball has partnered with Stand Up To Cancer to raise awareness and funds for cancer research.
The armbands are a way to start a conversation about suicide prevention
Since 2014, the players have been wearing the armbands to raise awareness for suicide prevention. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US and it’s estimated that one person dies by suicide every 12 minutes.
The armbands are a way to start a conversation about suicide prevention and to let people know that they are not alone. Major League Baseball (MLB) has partnered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and the players are wearing the armbands to show their support for their mental health initiative.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text “HOME” to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.
The players are hoping to save lives by wearing the armbands
The players are wearing the armbands to raise awareness for a charity called Pitch In For Baseball. The charity provides baseball equipment to kids who can’t afford it.
The players hope that by wearing the armbands, they’ll be able to save lives. pitchinginforbaseball.org
Conclusion
Wearing yellow armbands has become a sign of support for the fight against cancer, and a way to honor those who have battled the disease. Major League Baseball players have been wearing them since Spring Training, and the trend has caught on with fans as well. You can find yellow armbands at most MLB stadiums, and they are also available for purchase online. All Proceeds from the sale of yellow armbands go to cancer research.
