“It’s a shame that America’s fun is not only influenced by partisan politics, but also perpetuates false political narratives. This decision does not diminish my deep respect for the Texas Rangers baseball organization, which is remarkable from top to bottom.”
Abbott also said he would no longer attend any MLB events and that the state of Texas would not try to host the All-Star game or other MLB special events.
Republican proponents of the law say critics who accuse them of “suppressing voters” misrepresent both their intentions and key provisions of the law. They say the law not only makes Georgia’s elections safer, but also expands access to the vote.
“Georgians – and all Americans – should fully understand what the MLB decision means: cancel culture and wake up political activists for every aspect of your life, including sports. If the left does not agree with you, the facts and the truth do not matter. ”
The Atlanta Braves said the franchise is “deeply disappointed” by the decision to move the game.
“This was neither our decision nor our recommendation and we are saddened that fans will not be able to see this event in our city,” according to a team statement. “Unfortunately, Georgia’s businesses, employees and fans are the victims of this decision.”
In a statement to CNN, a Rangers spokesman said that Audrey Simmons, a fifth grade science teacher at Dunn Elementary in Arlington, Texas, will now throw the first pitch. Sydney Maxwell, a nurse at Medical City Healthcare, will catch the first pitch.
“Frontline heroes will attend today’s first ceremonial launch before the game,” the spokesman said.
Monday’s game between the Rangers Toronto Blue Jays, held at Globe Life Field, is one of the first sports events with full fan capacity.
Rangers spokesman John Blake told CNN in March that the stadium’s total capacity was 40,518.
Homero De la Fuente, Jenn Selva, Dave Close, Steve Almasy, Daniel Dale and Dianne Gallagher from CNN contributed to this report.