Former MLB All-Star Jonathan Lucroy has recently taken to social media to share his views on politics and social issues, but this outspoken nature has unfortunately resulted in him receiving a significant amount of hate mail.
Lucroy has made a passionate appeal to the American public, urging citizens to actively participate in elections and explaining the critical importance of voting in a democracy.
In a series of lengthy posts on X, Lucroy boldly declared that he would not kneel during the national anthem, despite directives from one of his teams to do so. He expressed his defiance by stating, “I gave them the finger,” a clear indicator of his stance on the issue of national pride.
The catcher’s commitment to his principles has not come without consequences, as he has stated that he has faced considerable backlash for “stating my opinion,” underscoring the increasingly hostile atmosphere surrounding public discourse.
“God forbid a pro athlete stand up for what they believe,” he lamented, pointing out a pervasive issue within the sports community where many athletes feel pressured to remain silent. He emphasized the sensitivity and emotional fragility of some individuals in response to the opinions of those who have reached the pinnacle of athletic achievement.
Lucroy also voiced his belief that the majority of Major League Baseball players hold conservative views, contending that the league encourages them to keep such opinions private.
“I am not politically correct,” he stated candidly. “When I say that 90+% of American-born MLB players are conservative, you can take that to the bank. We just don’t speak up as much because we are told to be neutral. I will not remain neutral anymore.”
In a revealing interview on “OutKick the Morning,” Lucroy discussed the impact of his viral post about refusing to kneel for the anthem during the tumultuous summer of 2020, when the nation grappled with heightened racial tensions in the wake of George Floyd’s murder.
He explained that teams often discourage players from taking politically polarizing stances, insisting that they maintain a neutral demeanor. “But the problem is,” Lucroy said, “I was with a team that told me to kneel for the anthem, and I gave them the finger, and I’m like, ‘No, I will never do that. Never, ever, ever. You’re not going to make me. There is nothing you’re … I’m not doing that.”
“We were told by a team to get the vaccine,” he recalled. “And if we didn’t get the vaccine, we couldn’t see our family for three months. Now that came down from the CDC to MLB, which was then passed along to the teams, so that wasn’t the teams’ fault. But the kneeling for the anthem part was a big issue for me. That was several years ago, and that really turned me on to the culture war that we fight.”
During the 2020 season, Lucroy played for both the Boston Red Sox and the Philadelphia Phillies, experiences that added complexity to his perspective on sports and politics.
The catcher enjoyed a successful career with nine different MLB teams, spending a significant portion of his time with the Milwaukee Brewers, where he was drafted out of Louisiana-Lafayette in the third round in 2007. Over his career, he achieved a batting average of .274 and logged 108 home runs, earning MLB All-Star honors in both 2014 and 2016.
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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.
What inspired Jonathan Lucroy to use his platform to address social and political issues?
**Interview with Former MLB All-Star Jonathan Lucroy**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Jonathan. You recently shared your thoughts on social and political issues through social media, which has drawn a fair amount of attention. What motivated you to speak out?
**Jonathan Lucroy:** Thanks for having me. I’ve always felt that athletes have a platform that can be used for good. I’ve been watching how our country has been evolving, and I realized it was time for me to voice my opinions. We can’t afford to stay silent when it comes to important issues like voting and participation in our democracy.
**Interviewer:** Your stance on kneeling during the national anthem has certainly sparked controversy. Can you share why you chose not to kneel?
**Jonathan Lucroy:** Absolutely. For me, the national anthem is a symbol of our freedom and history. When I was directed to kneel, I had to stay true to my beliefs, so I made my position clear. I felt it was a moment that demanded integrity, even if it meant facing backlash. I simply can’t compromise on my principles.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned facing significant backlash and even receiving hate mail. How do you deal with that?
**Jonathan Lucroy:** It’s definitely tough. Initially, it hit hard, but then I realized that standing up for what you believe in often comes with challenges. I just try to focus on the positive responses and the fact that I’m encouraging some people to think for themselves. It’s crucial for anyone in the public eye to remember that disagreements are part of healthy discourse.
**Interviewer:** You also pointed out that you believe most MLB players hold conservative views but often remain silent. Why do you think that is?
**Jonathan Lucroy:** It’s a complicated environment. The league has fostered a culture where many athletes feel they need to remain neutral or risk backlash. I’m just at a point in my life where I’m no longer willing to be quiet about my beliefs, and I think others might feel the same way if they saw more examples of open discussion.
**Interviewer:** You emphasized the importance of voting in a democracy. What advice would you give to your fans regarding their civic engagement?
**Jonathan Lucroy:** My main advice is to get involved! Educate yourself, participate in local elections and make your voice heard. It’s crucial for every citizen to understand the power of their vote—it’s the foundation of our democracy. If we want change, we need to be active participants, not just passive observers.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Jonathan, for your candid insights. It’s important to hear from athletes who are willing to take a stand on critical issues.
**Jonathan Lucroy:** Thank you for having me! It was great to share my perspective. Let’s keep the conversation going.
