SAN FRANCISCO -- The San Francisco Giants hosted their 14th annual LGBT Night on Friday at AT&T Park, an event in which the organization celebrates San Francisco Pride Weekend while also recognizing the Bay Area's LGBT community.
The Giants also used Friday to pay tribute to the victims of the shooting that occurred at the Orlando Pulse nightclub on June 12. Prior to the first pitch of its game against the Philadelphia Phillies, the team honored those affected by the shooting with a moment of silence and a performance by the Lesbian/Gay Chorus of San Francisco.
• Help the victims of the Orlando tragedy
"While San Francisco Pride Weekend is a time for celebration, we do so with heavy hearts in light of the horrific and senseless tragedy that occurred in Orlando on June 12," said San Francisco Giants president and CEO Larry Baer in a statement. "Today, and every day, the Giants are proud to celebrate the rich and deep culture of the Bay Area's LGBT community."
In addition to the tributes, the Giants are asking fans to support the victims and their families by donating to the Pulse Victims Fund. They are also auctioning the orange 1978 throwback jerseys they wore in Tampa Bay last Saturday, with all proceeds going to the Pulse Victims Fund.
Other clubs throughout Major League Baseball have acted in similar ways in the days that followed the Orlando Pulse shooting. When the Giants were in Tampa Bay on June 17, the Rays held their Pride Night, in which the club sold all remaining seats for $5, with all the money going to the Pulse Victims Fund. The Rays played in front of the largest crowd at Tropicana Field since April 10, 2006 as a result, and announced after the game that more than $300,000 was raised.