The Los Angeles Dodgers learned a hard lesson last year when their decision to honor the anti-Catholic drag group “Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence” during a pride night event was met with overwhelming backlash and a strikingly empty stadium. The controversial move not only alienated fans but also spurred a massive protest of Christians outside the stadium, highlighting the growing sentiment that “woke” politics have no place in America’s pastime.
Christian recording artist Sean Feucht shared damning footage of the sparsely attended game on X (formerly Twitter), writing:
“BREAKING: Never seen @Dodgers stadium so empty as they honor the demonic! 😅💪🏽 Yet thousands of believers are protesting outside! The message from America has been clearly sent again: YOU GO WOKE, YOU GO BROKE!”
The lackluster attendance, even during what should have been a highly anticipated rivalry game, was clear evidence of fan dissatisfaction. Feucht later shared an update from the sixth inning, noting, “More people but still pretty pathetic for one of the biggest rivalries in sports. 😅 #GoWokeGoBroke.”
The Dodgers’ decision to recognize the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a group notorious for mocking Catholicism and Christianity, sparked outrage among the faithful. Washington Nationals pitcher Jake Treinen, a devout Catholic, publicly condemned the Dodgers and called for a boycott.
Speaking on his decision, Treinen said, “This is something that I believe is truth. My religion being mocked in the realm of Major League Baseball only made sense to stick up for my truth.” Treinen also reflected on his faith, emphasizing that his actions were about serving a higher purpose rather than focusing on his career:
“When I die, hopefully in a state of grace, and Saint Peter greets me at the gates, he’s not going to ask what your win-loss record was in 2023. He’s just going to ask how did you build the kingdom of heaven.”
While the stadium’s seats were empty, the parking lot outside was filled with Catholic and Christian protesters peacefully praying and voicing their disapproval. Videos and photos from the protest revealed a large, unified crowd standing in opposition to the Dodgers’ choice to honor a group that many view as overtly anti-Christian.
Catholic reporter Sachin Jose shared on X:
“Los Angeles Dodgers honored Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, an anti-Catholic drag group, at its ‘pride night’ in front of an almost empty audience while hundreds of Christians, including Catholics and Christians from other denominations, showed up outside the stadium to peacefully pray against the team’s decision. Dodgers has been Bud-lighted!”
The Dodgers’ fiasco mirrors the fallout faced by other corporations that have embraced divisive “woke” agendas, such as Bud Light’s ill-fated partnership with a transgender influencer. Fans are sending a clear message: there’s no appetite for politics and ideology in spaces meant for entertainment and unity.
In trying to appease a vocal minority, the Dodgers alienated a substantial portion of their fan base, tarnishing their reputation in the process. Baseball, like all sports, is supposed to bring people together—not divide them.
As the backlash continues to echo through the sports world, the Dodgers and other organizations should take note: when you go woke, you risk going broke.
