Dear Major League Baseball: Let Bryce Harper Use Patriotic Bats

Bryce Harper was barred from using a specially designed bat on July 4 because of Major League Baseball’s rules against colored bats with unapproved writing on them. Rule 3.02 (d) states: “No colored bat may be used in a professional game unless approved by the Rules Committee.” Baseball needs to get with the times and dump stupid rules like this.

On the 4th, Harper posted a picture of an amazing bat, with an American flag, the Statue of Liberty and the inscription “Freedom is never given. It’s won.” on it. It was gorgeous and inspiring. The Washington Nationals star claimed he couldn’t use “to respect the rules.” Take a look:

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To the soldiers who keep our land safe and free this was going to be for you, to tell the true story of the amazing life that I have growing up in such a beautiful country..This wouldn't be possible with out the whole military and the efforts and sacrifices they take every single day! I love America and I love the freedom that we have..One day I hope players in the @MLB can express the way they feel and give thanks to everybody that makes our lives possible and safe every single day through bats or cleats or anything to that point..Again thank you and #Oorah ?? And no I will not being using this bat today to respect the rules of @MLB! #Merica

A post shared by Bryce Harper (@bryceharper3) on Jul 4, 2016 at 6:54am PDT

Harper did take the field in special stars-and-stripes Under Armour cleats with the logo of the U.S. Army on them. By the second inning those had been removed for his usual spikes, likely because of a rules violation.

On July 4 last year, Harper used a customized bat with stars and stripes and the Washington skyline included on it. He went 3-for-4 with a home run but never used it again.

Why Major League Baseball cares what is written on Bryce Harper’s bats or what his cleats look like is beyond me. A guy can’t express his patriotism or send a message of support for the troops on the Fourth of July? In the United States of America? While playing America’s supposed pastime?

Baseball has a whole host of “official” merchandise littered with stars and stripes for specific American holidays, but Harper couldn’t use his own because of a ridiculous, antiquated rule.

I get that MLB wants to promote standards for bats and uniforms, but on a special holiday exceptions should be made. Let Harper use whatever bat he wants, let him wear his cleats. No one is going to be up-in-arms because of it.