Dodgers’ Blake Treinen Draws Mixed Reaction After Wearing Charlie Kirk Tribute on Cap
Reliever’s in-game gesture honoring slain conservative commentator drew praise and criticism as authorities arrested a suspect in the shooting
Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Blake Treinen drew a sharply divided response after appearing to honor conservative commentator Charlie Kirk by writing Kirk’s name and two crosses on the side of his cap during Friday night’s game against the San Francisco Giants.
Treinen took the mound in the ninth inning of the 5-1 loss with the personalization visible above his ear. The Dodgers did not stage a team tribute; Treinen’s gesture was individual and was noticed quickly by fans and media watching the game.
The tribute came days after Kirk, 31, was shot and killed during a Q&A event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. Authorities in Utah have arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson in connection with the killing; officials said Robinson made statements expressing hostility toward Kirk in the days before the shooting. Law enforcement and political leaders have condemned the attack, and major sports organizations including the NFL and the New York Yankees observed moments of silence before games.
Reaction on social media and among fans was immediate and mixed. Some users criticized Treinen, calling for disciplinary action and accusing him of promoting a polarizing political figure. Others praised the reliever for publicly expressing his faith and honoring Kirk, calling the gesture meaningful and respectful.
Treinen has spoken publicly about the role his Christian faith plays in his career. In a recent interview with CBN Sports, he said, “He’s my everything. I mean, I wouldn’t be here without my relationship with Jesus. When I’m on the mound, that’s my form of worship. I draw a cross and point up so that people know who I play for.” The crosses flanking the name on his cap echoed that description.
The incident highlights tensions that can arise when athletes express personal beliefs or political sympathies in public settings. The sporting world has at times been a platform for political statements and public mourning; individual gestures by players can attract attention and spur debate among fans whose views are split along political lines.
Dodgers officials did not immediately issue a statement about Treinen’s hat, and Major League Baseball has not announced any disciplinary action. Treinen’s gesture follows a week of intense scrutiny and emotion surrounding Kirk’s death and the subsequent arrest. Utah Governor Spencer Cox said family members of the suspect told investigators Robinson had expressed dislike for Kirk and his viewpoints, describing him as someone who was “full of hate and spreading hate.”
As investigations continue into the events surrounding the shooting, the response to Treinen’s in-game tribute illustrates how gestures meant to honor an individual can prompt strong and divergent reactions in a polarized public arena. The Dodgers are scheduled to play multiple games in the coming days, and the team’s handling of similar situations will likely remain under close observation by fans and media alike.