Has MLB banned dressing up as woman? Exploring major league's anti-hazing policy as Orioles rookies dress up in gowns ahead of NYC showdown
The Baltimore Orioles will go up against division rivals and AL East leaders New York Yankees in a crucial and potentially decisive series in the pennant race. However, the Orioles had a bit of fun in the build-up, as they arrived in New York ahead of the series opener at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday.
Orioles rookie sensation Jackson Holliday and teammates Colton Cowser and Jordan Westburg were dressed in Peter Pan-themed costumes. While Holliday wore Wendy Darling's blue costume, Cowser was in Tinker Bell's famous green dress, and Westburg was dressed as Captain Hook.
Although the dress-up seemed like a fun activity for players, MLB has an anti-hazing, anti-bullying policy in place to restrict clubhouses from coercing players into dressing up as women. Although it doesn't ban players from wearing costumes, there are certain rules to be followed.
MLB rolled out the policy in 2016 as part of its labor agreement, stating (MLB.com):
"The new policy prohibits 'requiring, coercing or encouraging' players from dressing up as women or wearing costumes that may be offensive to individuals based on their race, sex, nationality, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or other characteristic."
According to reports, the policy was introduced to ensure that players weren't bullied or coerced into wearing something they didn't want to while also making sure that the dress isn't insensitive or offensive to any group or race.
Although players are allowed to dress up as any character they want, the intention behind the policy was driven by incidents where players reportedly crossed limits with their dresses in an attempt to outdo others.
Jordan Westburg of Orioles impresses on return from injury
Jordan Westburg, who dressed up as Captain Hook, was activated from the injured list ahead of the Orioles' series finale with the Detroit Tigers on Sunday. The 25-year old infielder, who made his MLB debut last season, got his first All-Star nod this year before fracturing his hand on July 31.
He made an instant impact on his return, impressing with his defensive play and resisting a game-tying double for his team in the fifth inning. However, he made a losing return to action, as the Orioles lost 4-3 after a hard-fought contest.