"The ballpark ain't the place" — MLB fans react as Orioles authorities remove supporters with "Free Palestine" flag from Camden Yards

The Baltimore Orioles had a few fans with Palestine flags at their game on June 26. The fans were sitting near the net and holding up flags protesting the ongoing war in Gaza, with one flag reading "Free Palestine." They were removed from the game. Security came to escort them out, but they walked up the rows with the flags flying in the air to rampant boos.

This is not an uncommon sight. Sports, for better or worse, have seen plenty of political protests. A different political issue was protested just last week at a golf tournament. The Orioles made a statement regarding the removal of the fans, according to Baltimore-based reporter Jacob Calvin Meyer:

“The individuals displaying political signage, which is a violation of our policy, were not seated in their ticketed seats and inciting fans in the surrounding area. They were removed from the ballpark.”

Fans have taken to MLB games to protest a variety of issues, but the protests have not been met with universal support. Many fans are frustrated by the actions seen in the above video.

"Even if you disagree with the policy, they violated known rules," one fan pointed out.

"Camden Yards W," another added.

Not everyone was in support of the fans being removed. Some expressed support for the protest and for those who staged it.

"Such is the nature of protest, I suppose. Still sucks, though," another lamented.

"As though the continual playing of the 'Star Spangled Banner' and 'God Bless America,' combined with the military flyovers and the constant pandering to the military at ballparks, aren't all blatant political statements," one said.

Political issues are divisive, and that is evidenced in this case as MLB fans discuss the merits of flags at a baseball game.

---

Baltimore Orioles bounce back to salvage series

After the fans were escorted out of the building, the Baltimore Orioles still had a game to play. Facing a sweep at home to the red-hot Cleveland Guardians, they needed to play well and earn a win.

The Orioles bounced back with a big win

With the New York Yankees struggling, it was a good time to make up ground in the AL East. The Orioles did just that with a tense 4-2 victory, with the latter two winning runs being scored in the seventh and eighth innings.

Gunnar Henderson had a three-hit day with one home run and Grayson Rodriguez went seven innings and allowed just two runs.