Chicago Cubs youngster Cade Horton has caused a stir by refusing to wear rainbow gloves during Pride Month training. The bold decision has divided opinion.
According to inside sources, the Cubs coaching staff distributed rainbow gloves to players as a gesture of support for the LGBTQ+ community. However, Horton insisted he refused to wear the gloves, with the obvious reason: “Sports have nothing to do with politics,” according to a person familiar with the player.
A Cubs spokesperson said Horton has expressed a desire to remain neutral. “Cade believes wearing political or social symbols on training attire can be misinterpreted as sports acting as a statement,” the person said.
Horton has not shied away from participating in other social initiatives, but wants to keep his sports career and political issues separate, a source close to him told the outlet. “I go to the ballpark to play ball, not to be a banner for a movement,” a source close to Horton said.
Many fans and pundits have spoken out against Horton’s decision. Some have called his refusal to wear the rainbow “a step backward for society,” especially as sports teams increasingly demonstrate their commitment to diversity and inclusion. But others have also supported him, saying, “Cade has the right to express himself in his own way, and we should respect his personal decision.”
One MLB analyst said, “This isn’t just a personal issue—it reflects a larger current in modern sports. Should athletes always use their public platforms to promote social values, or should they be allowed to keep their opinions separate and separate from the field and politics?”
Reactions from within the Cubs have been mixed. Some teammates have reportedly encouraged Horton to openly share his views, while some members of the coaching staff are concerned that rejecting the rainbow logo could affect the team’s image with the media and fans.
Notably, the Cubs have not yet taken any action against Horton for his decision. It appears the team is willing to let the young player make his own choices, as long as he remains professional and committed to the game.
For Horton, the decision could shape how he is perceived — not just as a promising prospect on the field, but also as a model of personal freedom and perspective. Is this a temporary setback or a strategic move that could have far-reaching implications for his lifestyle and career? No one knows for sure, but clearly, the name Cade Horton is generating a lot of heated debate — and this story is just getting started.
