Texas Gov. Greg Abbott refuses to throw Rangers first place, citing MLB’s stance on Georgia law

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott refuses to throw Rangers first place, citing MLB’s stance on Georgia law

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Abbott, a Republican, notified the Rangers in a letter before the game Monday, according to a news release. He quoted the MLB’s decision to move the All-Star game and draft in Atlanta in response to Georgia’s restrictive voting law.
“Major League Baseball has adopted a false narrative regarding the reforms of the electoral legislation in Georgia, and based on the false narrative, the MLB All-Star game has moved from Atlanta,” Abbott wrote in the letter.

“It’s shameful that America’s pastime is not only influenced by partisan political politics, but also that false political narratives are being continued. This decision does not diminish the deep respect I have for the Texas Rangers baseball organization, which is from top to bottom. is outstanding. “

Abbott also said he will no longer participate in any event hosted by MLB, and that the state of Texas does not want to host the All-Star Game or any other special event for the MLB.

The Georgia law, recently signed by Republican Gov. Brian Kemp, introduces new requirements for identifying voters for absentee ballots, empowers government officials to take over polling stations, restricts the use of ballot papers, and makes it a crime for voters to approach to give it. food and water while waiting in line.
It has led to lawsuits by civil rights groups, with President Joe Biden sharply rejecting them and demanding that businesses take action against the state.

Republican proponents of the law say critics accusing them of “oppressing voters” are misinterpreting their intentions as well as key provisions of the law. They claim that the law not only makes Georgia’s elections safer, but that it increases access to votes.

“Major League Baseball has succumbed to fear, political opportunism and liberal lies,” Kemp said in a statement after the MLB announced its decision.

“Georgians – and all Americans – need to fully understand what the MLB’s decisive decision means: to cancel culture and wake up political activists for every aspect of your life, sports included. If left does not agree with you, facts and the truth do not matter. ‘

The Atlanta Braves said the franchise was “deeply disappointed” by the decision to move the game.

“It was not our decision, nor our recommendation, and we are saddened that fans will not be able to see this event in our city,” the team said in a statement. “Decisions, employees and supporters in Georgia are unfortunately the victim of this decision.”

In a statement to CNN, a Rangers spokeswoman said Audrey Simmons, a fifth-grade science teacher at Dunn Elementary in Arlington, Texas, will now cast the first pitch. Sydney Maxwell, a nurse from Medical City Healthcare, will take first place.

“Frontline heroes take part in today’s ceremonial first pitch before the game,” the spokesman said.

Monday’s game between the Rangers the Toronto Blue Jays, held at Globe Life Field, is one of the first sporting events with full fan capacity.

Rangers spokesman John Blake told CNN in March that the total capacity of the stadium was 40,518.

CNN’s Homero De la Fuente, Jenn Selva, Dave Close, Steve Almasy, Daniel Dale and Dianne Gallagher contributed to this report.

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