Major League Baseball announced a decision to remove the 2021 All-Star Game out of Atlanta because of concerns over a new Georgia voting law and concerns with its potential disproportion impact on people of color. The 2021 MLB Draft also is being taken out of Georgia.
“Over the last week, we have engaged in thoughtful conversations with Clubs, former and current players, the Players Association, and The Players Alliance, among others, to listen to their views,” commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement.
“I have decided that the best way to demonstrate our values as a sport is by relocating this year’s All-Star Game and MLB Draft. Major League Baseball fundamentally supports voting rights for all Americans and opposes restrictions to the ballot box.
“In 2020, MLB became the first professional sports league to join the non-partisan Civic Alliance to help build a future in which everyone participates in shaping the United States. We proudly used our platform to encourage baseball fans and communities throughout our country to perform their civic duty and actively participate in the voting process.
“Fair access to voting continues to have our game’s unwavering support. We will continue with our plans to celebrate the memory of Hank Aaron during this season’s All-Star festivities. In addition, MLB’s planned investments to support local communities in Atlanta as part of our All-Star Legacy Projects will move forward.
“We are finalizing a new host city and details about these events will be announced shortly.”
MLB announced in June 2019 that the Braves would be hosting the Midsummer Classic for a fifth time in franchise history. However, it was to be the club’s first time doing so at Truist Park, which opened as SunTrust Park in 2017.
The Dodgers are not expected to be named as the new hosting site as Dodger Stadium is on track to receive the 2022 All-Star Game as a makeup for losing it last year.
Roberts was undecided on 2021 All-Star Game
When recently asked if he would consider not guiding the National League roster if the 2021 All-Star Game remained in Atlanta, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he had not yet made a decision.
Roberts reiterated that stance in the wake of MLB’s decision, but voiced his support of the league taking action.
“For the commissioner to kind of do his due diligence in baseball, outside of baseball, with players, front office, and ultimately make a decision to remove the All-Star Game and Draft out of the state of Georgia, I support,” Roberts said.
“I also applaud the fact we’re still planning on committing the dollars to the communities in the greater Atlanta area, which I think is great. Because I think the fans are the ones that unfortunately are losing out.”
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, participate in our shows and giveaways, and more!
