Major League Baseball today announced that all MLB Clubs will wear the caps of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Eagles baseball team during pregame (e.g., batting practice, lineups and National Anthem) of Spring Training games on Friday, February 23^rd. The Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers will wear their caps on Saturday, February 24^th as they are not scheduled to play on Friday. Additionally, Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred has approved the use of the caps during Friday's games as well as Saturday for the Royals and Rangers.
Commissioner Manfred said: "Major League Baseball is proud to see our Clubs supporting the Parkland community and the students of Stoneman Douglas in a way that is both meaningful and natural to our sport. The idea began with several of our Grapefruit League Clubs and quickly turned into a league-wide effort. We hope this demonstration by our teams, players, coaches and umpires helps contribute to the healing process of everyone affected by this horrible tragedy."
New Era, the Official On-Field Cap of Major League Baseball, produced the more than 2,500 caps that will be worn by all players, managers, coaches and umpires. Following the Spring Training games, Clubs may also have the caps signed and then auctioned to benefit funds related to assisting victims and families of the tragic shooting at Stoneman Douglas on February 14^th. Many Clubs will be donating proceeds of the auction to the Broward Education Foundation, which established the official Stoneman Douglas Victims Fund. More information can be found at browardedfoundation.org.
Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo, Oakland A's pitching prospect Jesus Luzardo and Colorado Rockies third base prospect Colton Welker are alumni of Stoneman Douglas High School.