‘Highly patriotic’ A’s catcher becomes first MLB player to kneel during national anthem

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Just one day after President Donald Trump ripped NFL players for kneeling during the national anthem, Oakland A’s rookie catcher Bruce Maxwell became the first Major League Baseball Mark Canhaplayer to do the same.

Here is a photo of Maxwell kneeling from Santiago Mejia of the San Francisco Chronicle. Teammate Mark Canha placed his hand on Maxwell’s shoulder in support.

Maxwell was born in Germany to a military family and is considered “highly patriotic.” From Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle:

“Maxwell was born in Wiesbaden, Germany, when his father, who also is named Bruce, was stationed there with the Army. The younger Maxwell is highly patriotic – he took great pride in the July 4 uniforms and catcher’s gear he received this year – so his decision to kneel appears to be entirely in opposition to Trumps comments and in solidarity with the NFL players who have taken a knee for the anthem.”

Earlier in the day, Maxwell responded on Instagram to Trump’s Friday night attacks on players who kneel during the anthem, saying “Don’t be surprised if you start seeing athletes kneeling in other sports now!!”