A refusal by several players to wear a special Pride Night jersey led to the York Revolution deciding to forfeit an Atlantic League baseball game against Southern Maryland scheduled for Thursday, June 18.
According to a team statement, despite the game not being played, Pride Night still was being offered as a free admission event.
“This decision was not reached lightly,” the team stated. “Unfortunately, several of our players have refused to wear the scheduled Pride Night jersey and the club decided that hosting the event is more important than forcing players to wear jerseys they are not comfortable with and playing the game.”
As a result, the club said, and out of respect for the Pride Community and the York community, Pride Night would continue as the feature element of the evening at WellSpan Park, even without a game.
“To be clear, this action by the players is completely inconsistent with our vision as the Most Welcoming Place in York,” the team stated. “As a small token of our regret for the last-minute change of plans and support for our LGBTQIA+ representing partners, we are making a $10,000 donation to the Rainbow Rose Center to support and further their work in making sure the York community is as inclusive as we strive to make WellSpan Park in York, Pennsylvania.”
The Rainbow Rose Center, which offers an environment of inclusion, equity, and health where all LGBTQIA+ community members thrive in York and Adams counties and is one of the sponsors of Pride Night, was disappointed by the decision to cancel the game.
“For more than a decade, this event has represented far more than a baseball game,” the center said in a statement. “It has been a celebration of visibility, belonging, and community. It has brought together thousands of people from across our region and raised critical funds that support the Rainbow Rose Center’s work serving LGBTQIA+ youth, adults, families, and allies throughout York County.”
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The center said that while the situation has been difficult for the many members of the LGBTQIA+ community, its supporters and the Rainbow Rose Center, the center also appreciated the Revs for continuing to host Pride in the Park as a free community event.
“The York Revolution chose to prioritize the continuation of Pride Night, ensuring that LGBTQIA+ community members and supporters still have a space to gather, celebrate and be seen,” the center stated. “For that, we are grateful.”
The free event planned for Thursday will begin at 5:30 p.m. at WellSpan Park and continue through 9 p.m. with limited concessions. The community can enjoy music and batting practice on the field.
People who had tickets for Thursday’s game may exchange them for tickets to any remaining 2026 regular season home game, subject to availability.
Exchanges can be made in person at the Shipley Energy Ticket Office at WellSpan Park or by calling the ticket office at 717-801-HITS. On game days, the ticket office is open from 10 a.m. until the end of the fifth inning. On non-game days, it is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
