Los Angeles Dodgers star Blake Treinen paid tribute to Charlie Kirk during Friday night’s game against the San Francisco Giants after the political commentator was shot dead this week.
Kirk, 31, was shot and killed in front of around 3,000 Q&A event with students at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, sending shockwaves across the nation. The suspect, Tyler Robinson, 22, is now in custody.
The sporting world has widely condemned the assassination with the NFL and the Yankees observing a moment of silence ahead of games.
And, while the Dodgers didn’t host their own tribute, Treinen honored the conservative activist with a touching gesture.
As the pitcher, who has been open about his faith, took to the mound in the ninth inning of the 5-1 loss, eagle-eyed fans spotted that he had personalized his cap with a spiritual message.
The reliever had written Kirk’s name bordered by two crosses onto the side of the cap above his ear.
Los Angeles Dodgers star Blake Treinen paid tribute to Charlie Kirk during Friday night’s game
The pitcher took to the mound with the political commentator’s name written on his cap
However, some baseball fans hit out at Treinen for the gesture with one even suggesting that he should be fined or suspended.
‘Treinen what a f***ing lame (sic) with that Nazi’s name written on your hat,’ on social media user wrote.
‘Omg. Does Treinen have some Charlie Kirk s*** written on his hat?,’ another asked.
‘treinen’s hat was all i need to see to know that theyre losing,’ a third claimed as another agreed adding, ‘we lost because of this,’ alongside a photo of Treinen’s cap.
‘blake treinen officially on my blocklist,’ posted another irate fan.
Meanwhile another tagged the Dodgers’ X account, writing: ‘I’m a huge Dodgers fan. You need to do something now about Blake Treinen putting a racist’s name on his LA ball cap and wearing it into the game. He works for you and the man he put on his hat has at various times spewed vile things at every ethnicity your fans repesent (sic).’
Yet, many others warmly welcomed Treinen’s gesture, praising the baseball player for honoring Kirk.
‘The Dodgers closing pitcher, Blake Treinen, has ‘Charlie Kirk’ written on his hat, with a cross on each side. What a class act,’ one gushed.
Some baseball fans ripped into the reliever for the gesture on social media
A second agreed, saying: ‘A Houston Astro fan cheering for Blake Treinen. What a great way to celebrate Charlie!’
‘What a wonderful gesture. How sweet and thoughtful of Blake Treinen,’ posted one admiring fan as another echoed the sentiment, writing: ‘Powerful gesture from Blake Treinen honoring Charlie Kirk with faith front and center.’
‘THANK YOU BLAKE TREINEN FOR SUPPORTING AMERICAN PATRIOTISM!,’ one over-enthusiastic fan penned.
‘Well done Blake – love Treinen, maybe my favorite @Dodgers,’ chimed in one while another agreed also labeling Treinen their favorite reliever in baseball.
His show of support for Kirk came just days after he openly spoke about the role his faith plays in his profession.
‘He’s my everything. I mean, I wouldn’t be here without my relationship with Jesus,’ Treinen said during a recent interview with CBN Sports. ‘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.’
On Friday, authorities in Utah announced they had arrested a suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, in connection with the shooting of Kirk.
Robinson made chilling remarks about the conservative commentator during a family dinner in the lead-up to his murder, Daily Mail reported earlier on Friday.
Many others welcomed the gesture as they praised Treinen for honoring Kirk
Robinson, 22, brought up Kirk’s visit to Utah Valley University on September 10 and spoke of his dislike for the 31-year-old MAGA influencer, family members told investigators.
‘They talked about why they didn’t like him and the viewpoints that he had,’ Utah governor Spencer Cox revealed in a press conference this morning.
The family members also told police Robinson had described Kirk as ‘full of hate and spreading hate’.
For more on this story – follow Daily Mail podcast ‘The Assassination of Charlie Kirk,’ out now wherever you get your podcasts or on YouTube.
