In response to the laws implemented in Georgia last month restricting voting rights, Major League Baseball moved the All-Star Game and MLB Draft from Atlanta’s Truist Park.
MLB had awarded the game to Atlanta on May 29, 2019, and the game was scheduled for July 13, 2021, as part of baseball’s midsummer break that includes the Futures Game on July 11, 2021, and Home Run Derby the following night.
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But Commissioner Rob Manfred made the decision to move the All-Star events and the amateur draft, which had been scheduled to be held in Atlanta for the first time.
Georgia lawmakers passed the legislation last month and earlier on Wednesday US President Joe Biden told ESPN he supported moving the game out of Atlanta.
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However, the new host city is yet to be announced, according to the league.
“Over the last week, we have engaged in thoughtful conversations with Clubs, former and current players, the Players Association, and The Players Alliance, among others, to listen to their views,” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement, CNN reported.
“Major League Baseball fundamentally supports voting rights for all Americans and opposes restrictions to the ballot box,” Manfred said.
“In 2020, MLB became the first professional sports league to join the non-partisan Civic Alliance to help build a future in which everyone participates in shaping the United States.”
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The new law, reportedly, limits drop boxes, allows unlimited challenges to voter eligibility and registration, and ban voters waiting in queue to receive any water bottle or snacks.
“We proudly used our platform to encourage baseball fans and communities throughout our country to perform their civic duty and actively participate in the voting process. Fair access to voting continues to have our game’s unwavering support.”
