Friday night’s game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Francisco Giants was already set to be a high-stakes showdown between two storied rivals, but it took on a deeper significance when Dodgers reliever Blake Treinen stepped onto the mound. With the Giants’ Oracle Park buzzing, eagle-eyed fans and television cameras alike caught a powerful, personal tribute: Treinen had written “Charlie Kirk,” bordered by two crosses, on the side of his Dodger-blue cap. This simple but striking act set social media alight and added an emotional layer to an otherwise routine late-season MLB contest.
Treinen’s gesture came just days after the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA. Kirk was gunned down on September 10, 2025, while speaking before a crowd of roughly 3,000 people at Utah Valley University. According to authorities, the alleged shooter, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, fired from a rooftop some 200 yards away. Kirk, a husband and father of two, was struck in the neck and later pronounced dead at a local hospital. Robinson was arrested on Friday, September 13, after family members contacted authorities with information indicating he had confessed or implied responsibility for the killing.
The fallout from Kirk’s assassination has reverberated far beyond political circles. The NFL and the New York Yankees observed moments of silence ahead of their games, reflecting the widespread shock and condemnation across the sporting world. Yet, the Dodgers organization did not host an official tribute during their matchup with the Giants. Instead, Treinen’s in-game homage became the focal point for both grief and debate.
On social media, reactions to Treinen’s tribute were swift and deeply divided. Supporters praised the pitcher for honoring Kirk’s memory and for publicly displaying his faith. “The Dodgers closing pitcher, Blake Treinen, has 'Charlie Kirk' written on his hat, with a cross on each side. What a class act,” one fan wrote, echoing a sentiment shared by many. Another chimed in, “What a wonderful gesture. How sweet and thoughtful of Blake Treinen.” Still others called it a “powerful gesture from Blake Treinen honoring Charlie Kirk with faith front and center.”
Critics, however, were equally vocal. Some called for Treinen to be fined or suspended, with one social media user tagging the Dodgers and writing, “You need to do something now about Blake Treinen putting a racist’s name on his LA ball cap and wearing it into the game.” Others accused Treinen of politicizing the sport, while a few blamed his actions for the Dodgers’ loss, posting, “treinen's hat was all i need to see to know that they’re losing.” The gesture, it seemed, became a Rorschach test for the nation’s polarized views on politics, faith, and public figures.
Treinen’s public display of faith is nothing new. He has spoken openly about the role Christianity plays in his life and career. In a recent interview with CBN Sports, Treinen declared, “He’s my everything. I mean, I wouldn’t be here without my relationship with Jesus. When I’m on the mound, that’s my form of worship. I draw a cross and point up so that people know who I play for.” After the Dodgers’ World Series win in 2024, Treinen credited his success to his faith, stating, “God is absolutely good. I gotta give a shout out to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for this moment, man. It’s a lot of hard work, what I’ve gone through. This moment is such a blessing.”
Treinen has also previously courted controversy for his beliefs. In 2023, he publicly opposed the Dodgers’ decision to honor the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a group he described as “blasphemous” and “displaying hate and mockery of Catholics and the Christian faith.” In a statement released at the time, Treinen asserted, “God cannot be mocked.” His willingness to take public stands has made him a polarizing figure, but also one admired by those who share his convictions.
Kirk, for his part, was equally outspoken about his faith. Known as much for his Christian beliefs as for his conservative activism, he once said, “I want to be remembered for courage for my faith. That would be the most important thing. The most important thing is my faith in my life.” This sentiment, shared in an interview before his death, resonated with many who saw Treinen’s tribute as a fitting acknowledgment of Kirk’s legacy.
The game itself, though momentous for reasons beyond baseball, ended in disappointment for the Dodgers. Treinen took the mound in the ninth inning, but the Giants ultimately triumphed 5-1. San Francisco catcher Patrick Bailey delivered the decisive blow, launching a walk-off grand slam off Dodgers reliever Tanner Scott. Treinen was charged with the loss after allowing a walk and an unearned run. The Dodgers’ defeat, however, was overshadowed by the larger narrative unfolding both on and off the field.
Meanwhile, details continued to emerge about the events leading up to Kirk’s assassination. Utah Governor Spencer Cox revealed during a press conference that Robinson’s family members had contacted the Washington County Sheriff’s Office after Robinson made chilling remarks about Kirk during a family dinner. “They talked about why they didn’t like him and the viewpoints that he had,” Cox said. Family members told police that Robinson described Kirk as “full of hate and spreading hate.” Such revelations only added to the sense of tragedy and controversy surrounding the case.
The sporting world’s response to Kirk’s death—and to Treinen’s tribute—reflects the deep intertwining of sports, politics, and faith in American life. For some, Treinen’s act was a courageous stand for personal beliefs and a meaningful way to honor a fallen friend. For others, it was an unwelcome intrusion of politics into the sanctity of the ballpark. The Dodgers organization has not commented publicly on Treinen’s gesture, leaving fans and pundits to debate its appropriateness and impact.
As the dust settles from Friday night’s game, one thing is clear: Blake Treinen’s tribute ensured that Charlie Kirk’s memory—and the issues he represented—remain front and center in the national conversation. Whether praised or criticized, the gesture has sparked dialogue about the place of personal conviction in professional sports. With the MLB season marching on and the nation still reeling from Kirk’s assassination, the intersection of faith, politics, and America’s pastime has rarely felt more immediate or more consequential.
For now, the Dodgers look ahead to their next game, while the baseball world continues to grapple with the legacy of a single, handwritten message—and the man it was meant to honor.
