Today’s news cycle would make you think that all professional athletes hate America. But there are still a few who are not ashamed of their heritage.
The Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher came out to the mound for his Fourth of July start against the San Francisco Giants with an American flag draped around his shoulders. The fiery lefty struck out four over five innings and earned a win on Independence Day against his former team.
Madison Bumgarner came out with a USA flag before making his start 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/Uj5nYsINWF
— Baseball King (@BasebaIlKing) July 4, 2022
Bumgarner said he had a good feeling heading into his outing, but that getting the start on his country’s day of independence added some extra motivation and desire.
“I don’t know if it was just that or if it was a little mixture of everything, but it did feel like it was coming out really good leaving in the bullpen before I came in,” Bumgarner said. “I was excited to pitch on the Fourth of July. It’s a special day for me. I’m proud to be an American.”
MLB journeyman Jonathan Lucroy, who is currently a free agent and last played for the Washington Nationals in 2021, also tweeted out his unapologetic support for America.
Regardless of our issues, we still live in the greatest country in the history of the world. The amount of freedoms and prosperity we enjoy are only possible because they have been fought for, bled for, and died for. I’m humbled and thankful everyday. #Happy4thofJuly pic.twitter.com/tAg4k827ks
— Jonathan Lucroy (@JLucroy20) July 4, 2022
Lucroy could not have written it any better. No matter what faults America has in her past or present, it is still a country that has afforded prosperity and hope for millions of lives in its rich history. We should never lose sight of that and should be proud of what our country strives to accomplish for its citizens.
