Kapler explains decision to stand for anthem on Memorial Day

PHILADELPHIA -- When Giants manager Gabe Kapler announced Friday that he will not be coming out of the clubhouse for the national anthem, many wondered about the timing given that Kapler's personal protest would occur during Memorial Day weekend.

On Monday, Kapler announced that he will be present during the Memorial Day anthem before the first of three games against the Philadelphia Phillies. 

Kapler announced his decision on his personal blog and later informed a large group of reporters. Asked to expand, he directed reporters back to his post, which included links to two charities he will be supporting. 

"Today, I’ll be standing for the anthem," Kapler wrote. "While I believe strongly in the right to protest and the importance of doing so, I also believe strongly in honoring and mourning our country’s service men and women who fought and died for that right. Those who serve in our military, and especially those who have paid the ultimate price for our rights and freedoms, deserve that acknowledgment and respect, and I am honored to stand on the line today to show mine."

Kapler said he will be donating to Everytown, an organization dedicated to ending gun violence, and also to Heart & Armor, which focuses on veteran health.

"Both of them are organizations that I've had a connection to over the last calendar year," Kapler said. "They're not new organizations -- they're both organizations that I believe strongly in and feel like are worth a click and a look and see if people think those are good organizations to support. I personally do."

RELATED: La Russa believes Kapler's protest during anthem "not appropriate"

San Francisco Giants

Find the latest San Francisco Giants news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Bay Area and California.

Five things that must go right for Giants to exceed 2025 expectations

Giants Notes: Bivens added to bullpen after breakthrough season

In the wake of the devastating shooting at a school in Uvalde, Texas, Kapler announced that he will not be on the field for the playing of the anthem until he feels better about the direction of the country. He stuck to that during three games in Cincinnati, but did not say Monday whether he planned to be back in the clubhouse for future anthems once Memorial Day has passed.

Download and follow the Giants Talk Podcast

Contact Us