Mets agree to deal with Bruce Maxwell, first MLB player to kneel for anthem

BOSTON — In 2017, Bruce Maxwell became the first Major League Baseball player to kneel during the national anthem in protest of social and racial injustice in the country. 

The New York Mets have agreed to a minor-league deal with the catcher.

Since George Floyd's death, many MLB players and front-office members have been vocal in their support of the Black Lives Matter movement. In a Zoom call before summer camp began, Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen was asked about his players vocalizing their thoughts on racism. 

"I'm proud of them, I really am. I think that our players have soul,” Van Wagenen said. “Our players have a voice and our players have a platform to influence people and influence thought. When I heard and saw some of the comments that our players made publicly, I encouraged them. I wanted to make sure that they knew they had the support from the organization to use their voice, both in terms of what it felt for them personally, but also what it meant to the impact that their words would have on others.”

In 2017, police arrested Maxwell for allegedly pointing a gun at a female food delivery driver. Maxwell, who was charged with aggravated assault, reached a plea deal and was on probation while also being required to do community service. 

Maxwell, who last played in 2018 for Oakland, is a career .240 hitter.