In 2023, Washington Nationals pitcher Trevor Williams emerged as a prominent voice against the Los Angeles Dodgers' decision to host the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence at their Pride Night. The Dodgers' choice to invite, disinvite, and ultimately re-invite the anti-Catholic drag group, even honoring them with a community hero award, sparked significant controversy.
Williams voiced his strong disapproval in a recent interview, expressing his belief that baseball stadiums should be welcoming to everyone but that the Dodgers' actions targeted a specific religion. He questioned where the line should be drawn if such incidents continue to occur.
Recounting the challenging decision to speak out, Williams described a period of careful consideration, balancing charity with the need to address what he saw as blatant anti-Catholic mockery. He acknowledged the potential backlash but emphasized the importance of standing up for his beliefs, a decision he made alongside his wife.
Following his public statements, Williams described the response as overwhelmingly positive, noting the power of prayer and support he received. He shared a personal anecdote about the experience, revealing that he and his wife learned they were expecting a child amidst the controversy, naming their daughter Monica Margaret in response to the grace they felt during that time.
Weeks later, while feeling mentally drained from the ongoing discussion, Williams found solace in a seemingly chance encounter. While praying the rosary at an airport food court, seeking affirmation for his actions, he noticed a nun sitting beside him. Seeing this as a sign of grace, he offered her a prayer card of Sister Wilhelmina, an act that reinforced his conviction to speak out against the Dodgers' decision.
Williams believes his faith and platform as a baseball player positioned him to address this issue. He felt a responsibility to speak up, particularly as the Nationals were scheduled to play the Dodgers the following week.
