29 May Bay Area Teams Step Up to Strike Out Hate

California vs Hate offered resources to Oakland Roots fans before a recent game outside the Coliseum. (Photo courtesy of California Civil Rights Department)

By Joe Porrello

The San Francisco Giants and Oakland Roots are teaming up with the California Civil Rights Department’s CA vs Hate initiative to help curb hate and discrimination across the state.

The partnership, announced May 13, marks the first time the state’s anti-hate initiative has formally collaborated with professional sports teams.

Launched in May 2023, ​​CA vs Hate is the state’s first multilingual hotline and online portal offering safe and anonymous options for reporting hate incidents and connecting victims to resources.

By joining forces with the Giants and Roots, CA vs Hate aims to reach new audiences and promote unity among diverse communities through sports.

“Sports have the power to unite people across all backgrounds,” said CRD Director Kevin Kish in a May 13 press release. “By teaming up with the San Francisco Giants and Oakland Roots, we are underscoring our commitment to building a more inclusive California where everyone can feel safe and thrive. Engaging fans in conversations about what we can all do to combat hate allows us to make our communities stronger, safer, and more welcoming for all.”

Stadiums will showcase graphics and information about the anti-hate initiative, along with resource tables that include photo booths as well as games with prizes before and during games. Fans are provided with help on how to report hate acts, support victims and curb bigotry in their community and raise awareness.

CA vs Hate will be present at specific matchups on special themed nights that celebrate different cultures and groups.

The Oakland Roots will host CA vs Hate on:

• June 28 for African Roots Night
• Aug. 30 for Back to School Night
• Sept. 7 for Pride Night
• Sept. 20 for Conoce Tus Raíces, part of Hispanic Heritage Month

“Oakland Roots believe in the power of sport as a force for social good,” said Nelda Kerr, director of community engagement for the Roots, in the release. “We are proud to partner with California vs Hate because we all need to work together to combat hate in our community. We hope our matches can be a space to promote unity and dialogue with our fans and increase awareness of the CA vs Hate hotline as a powerful resource.”

The Giants will include the campaign at six games through Sept. 23, including nights recognizing Black, Native American, Filipino and Jewish heritage, as well as:

• June 7 for Pride Day
• Sept. 14 for Fiesta Gigantes, honoring Hispanic culture

“Baseball has long been a unifying force in our country, and we are excited to leverage a number of our heritage nights as an opportunity to spread awareness and ensure that all fans feel safe and welcome at Oracle Park and beyond,” said Tess Oliphant, director of community relations for the Giants, in the release.

The Giants have additional special events this season including Autism Acceptance Night and Law Enforcement Appreciation Night, but their connection to the LGBTQ+ community goes back furthest.

Years before any MLB team hosted a Pride Night, the Giants — in a sort of precursor — introduced Until There’s a Cure Day to bring attention to the fight against AIDS. Over 30 years later, the game is still taking place — this season on July 31.

According to Beyond Sport, the Los Angeles Dodgers held “Gay Night” in 2000 shortly after a pair of security guards ejected two female fans for kissing each other in the Dodger Stadium stands during a game. Though, according to the New York Times, the Chicago Cubs are credited with hosting the first official Pride Night — originally “Gay Day” and now “Out at Wrigley” — one year later.

The Texas Rangers are the only MLB team yet to hold an LGBTQ+ event, according to NBC News, while the Giants became the first MLB team to wear Pride colors on their uniforms in 2021, according to CNN.

Reports can be made anonymously by calling (833) 866-4283, or 833-8-NO-HATE, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT or online at any time. Hate acts can be reported in 15 different languages through the online portal and in over 200 languages when calling the hotline. For individuals who are in imminent danger, please call 911. For more information on California vs Hate, please visit CAvsHate.org.