The social media saga of Anthony Bass and the Toronto Blue Jays has come to an end as the team formally released the 35-year-old relief pitcher over the weekend. He had drawn widespread criticism after he reposted an anti-LGBTQ video on Instagram in late May.
Anthony Bass via Global News YouTube
Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins didn’t completely dance around the issue, and he even stated to local media that part of the club’s decision was at least in part due to outside influences. Despite issuing a public apology and rescinding his former views, Bass was still being booed loudly by his hometown fans and chastised by some members of the local press.
“Like any decision, we’re focused on building the best possible team,’’ Atkins said, according to the Toronto Sun. “There are a lot of variables. Like anything, there are times when things get momentum and become a distraction in our clubhouse, and that was a variable.”
Anthony Bass via Global News YouTube
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Atkins said it is “not a realistic outcome” for Bass to stay with the team, even if he clears waivers.
To be fair, Anthony Bass also hasn’t done a lot on the mound to keep himself above the fray, either. He’s posted a 4.95 ERA in 22 appearances this year while serving up three home runs in relief duty. However, he’s got 19 Ks in 20 innings pitched, and he will likely be picked up by another MLB team once he’s able to sign elsewhere.
In conjunction with that roster move, the Blue Jays then announced that right-hander Mitch White was reinstated from the 60-day injured list and immediately activated.
Anthony Bass came under fire for sharing an Instagram post from a creator named Ryan Miller. In it, bible scripture is invoked to call Christians to action and boycott companies that have geared their brands toward the LGBTQ community during Pride Month.
When the firestorm came raining down on him, Bass backpedaled. He publicly apologized and agreed to take place in the team’s Pride Night festivities to help make amends. In an ‘olive branch moment’, he was scheduled to catch the ceremonial first pitch of the evening.
Pride Night at the Blue Jays via Global News YouTube
Now, that won’t happen. And just like that, the team is looking the end the Anthony Bass Saga for good. Although it’s doubtful we’ve heard the last of him or this story.
At issue for MANY Christian and conservative groups currently has been the focus on the publicity of the transgender movement by Corporate America. It is one that has brought on similar responses to the massive retail chain Target, as well as alcohol giant Anheuser-Busch – most notably its line of Bud Light products.
Both brands have seen a drop in both popularity and profitability since aligning with such causes, as those on the religious right have become more vocal. MLB will no doubt face the same type of scrutiny as incidents like the one involving Anthony Bass continue to surface around The Game.