'Black Lives Matter' Stenci,l Social Justice Messages Part Of Opening Day

“Black Lives Matter” will be stenciled on the pitching mound for the Washington Nationals' home opener Thursday night against the New York Yankees -- and will stay there through the weekend.

The Nationals, in their announcement, noted every MLB team has the option to use the stencil, ESPN reported.

“The Nationals, in conjunction with Major League Baseball, stand with the Black Lives Matter movement and will utilize the platform and national stage of Opening Day to express support for the fight against systemic racism and injustice,” the team said in the statement, ESPN reported.

Players also can wear a jersey patch that reads “Black Lives Matter” or “United For Change” on Opening Day, The Associated Press reported, and put social justice messages on their spikes now that the league has lifted cleat restrictions.

The Boston Red Sox placed “Black Lives Matter” on a billboard next to Fenway Park.

Every MLB team will hold a black fabric during a pregame ceremony to honor George Floyd and other Black Americans who have been killed by police, ESPN reported. Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Andrew McCutchen is credited with the idea.

San Francisco Giants manager Gabe Kapler and several players took a knee during the national anthem Monday before an exhibition game against the Oakland Athletics.