Oakland, Calif., apparently has taken Bruce Maxwell’s protest well.
The Oakland Athletics catcher received a standing ovation Monday night at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in his first game since his high-profile protest against racial injustice. Maxwell on Saturday became the first Major League Baseball player to kneel during the playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” but he hasn’t appeared in a game since Sept. 20 because he was in concussion protocol.
Maxwell finally returned to the diamond Monday night, and the crowd greeted him warmly. Here’s the moment he was introduced and came to the plate for his first at-bat.
Here’s why the crowd’s greeting surprised Maxwell, according to MLB.com’s Jane Lee.
There truly is no place like home.
Thumbnail photo via John Hefti/USA TODAY Sports Images
