MLB’s Mike Yastrzemski Won’t be Kneeling in 2021

Kneeling is so 2020. San Francisco Giants outfielder Mike Yastrzemski said Thursday he plans to stand during the national anthem this season after starting off last year kneeling. According to The Athletic, the grandson of Boston Red Sox legend Carl Yastrzemski told reporters he knelt last year in hopes to create a conversation and awareness about racial injustice. He said he felt like he “made that statement.”

Mike Yastrzemski says he will stand for the anthem this season. He knelt last year to spark conversation and awareness and let people know where he stands on racial justice and feels he's made that statement.

— Andrew Baggarly (@extrabaggs) April 1, 2021

He was one of many MLB players who decided to take a knee during the national anthem as the coronavirus pandemic-shortened season got underway last July. He explained his actions at the time in an Instagram post.

“The United States Flag represents to me the ultimate sacrifice that a man or woman can make. They have made the selfless decision to devote and risk their life for the protection, peace and freedom of our country. For them, I will always cover my heart and be forever grateful,” he wrote in July.

The right fielder finished 0-for-5 with three strikeouts and the Giants lost 8-7 in 10 innings.

Maybe it’s time to kneel again?

Welcome to the game outside the game! Follow us on our Sideaction Twitter handle, Instagram, and Facebook for the latest on sports and pop culture news across the web!