Why are MLB players wearing a green ribbon?
Following an organizational tragedy, the Tampa Bay Rays took to sporting a green ribbon. With several other teams following suit, here’s a look at the reason why.
It’s nothing new to see professional athletes showing solidarity with various causes. Surely, we’ve all seen our share of arm bands, patches and pins. In the latest example of such a move, we’ve seen teams in MLB wearing a green ribbon. The question is, ‘what’s it all about?’
What’s the green ribbon in MLB all about?
Perhaps you’ve noticed MLB teams are wearing green ribbons on their jerseys this month. Indeed, during the month of many, many teams in the league have taken to wearing the ribbons in solidarity with a specific cause, but what is it? The green ribbon is a symbol for mental health awareness. That’s to say, that to wear one is to advocate or rather give a call to action to those around you, to support and promote mental wellness in the immediate community and beyond. As you can imagine, that’s exactly what teams are doing in the MLB as they come to terms with the growing effects of mental health on their environment.
Who started wearing green ribbons in MLB?
The Tampa Bay Rays were the first to take up the initiative in MLB this season. Their move came in direct response to the tragic loss of Jean Ramirez, a former Rays staff member who sadly took his own life in 2022. Having worked for the franchise for more than a decade, Ramirez was well loved and his dedication to his job, along with his compassion was widely known and embraced. Understandably, the Rays have taken the decision to champion the cause not only as a tribute to Ramirez, but as a firm statement on the growing dangers of ignoring mental health awareness in the world of professional sports. Incidentally, the Rays have also taken the step of partnering with local mental health organizations, in an effort to provide resources and support to those who need it. From a hotline, to counseling services, the organization has made it clear that it takes the issue of mental health very seriously and wants to be a part of the solution.
Why aren’t all teams in MLB wearing the green ribbon?
Having been started in house by the Rays, it’s understandable that the green ribbon initiative has not been adopted league wide. That does not mean, however, that we aren’t likely to see that happening very soon. Indeed, as we’ve already witnessed, more and more teams are following Tampa Bay’s example, something that simply makes sense given the serious and widespread nature of the problem that they are trying to tackle. To that end, the Rays are actually providing any willing opponents with green ribbons, so that they can stand in solidarity with them as well. Keep an eye on this cause, it’s a worthy one.