Whispers about Major League Baseball pitchers and catchers are circulating again after the players were spotted showing up to their teams’ spring training facilities weeks before the rest of their teammates throughout Florida and Arizona. The players wore similar outfits and openly smiled and stretched together in the warm sun.
“I love what they’ve got going on, whatever it is,” said Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper. “They obviously have something special. If it’s more than friends, then good for them. If not, that’s cool, too.”
Harper’s comments echoed those of many others throughout baseball who stated that they would be ready for pitchers and catchers to publicly announce a relationship.
“Look, I’m not pressuring anyone to do or say anything until they’re ready,” said Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen. “But I know I would have no problem if they wanted to be open about it and neither would the rest of my teammates. If anything, it would make our team even closer.”
In addition to showing up to spring training together every year, pitchers and catchers have also frequently been seen whispering to each other on the mound throughout the season. They also communicate frequently with each other using secret signs, further fueling speculation. Commissioner Rob Manfred said today that Major League Baseball supports its pitchers and catchers no matter what.
“Baseball is an inclusive sport that welcomes everyone,” said the commissioner. “I think we’ve shown that for years by letting position players pitch sometimes in extra innings games.”
