Catcher Bruce Maxwell became the first big-leaguer to kneel during the national anthem on Saturday, and he’s received so much backlash for his actions he was surprised and heartened by the loud applause he received when he stepped to the plate in the second inning Monday.
“It was unexpected,” he said. “With all the negativity I’ve gotten, it was refreshing, people actually caring about people in this country. ... I’ve gotten a ton of support and a ton of hate, so seeing fans putting the action itself aside and understanding why I’m doing what I’m doing is huge, kind of made me smile a little bit.