Governor Abbott Declines First Pitch At Texas Rangers Game

Governor Greg Abbott today sent a letter to the Texas Rangers baseball organization declining the invitation to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the their home opening game. The Governor cited Major League Baseball's (MLB) decision to perpetuate false political narratives by moving the MLB All-Star Game from Atlanta in response to Georgia's new election integrity laws. According to the Release, Governor Abbott also noted that he will no longer participate in any event held by MLB, and that the State of Texas will not seek to host the All-Star game or any other MLB special events.

"Major League Baseball adopted what has turned out to be a false narrative about the election law reforms in Georgia, and, based on that false narrative, moved the MLB All-Star game from Atlanta," reads the letter. "It is shameful that America’s pastime is not only being influenced by partisan political politics, but also perpetuating false political narratives. This decision does not diminish the deep respect I have for the Texas Rangers baseball organization, which is outstanding from top to bottom."

Read the Governor's letter.

Get our free mobile app

LOOK: Stunning vintage photos capture the beauty of America's national parks

Today these parks are located throughout the country in 25 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The land encompassing them was either purchased or donated, though much of it had been inhabited by native people for thousands of years before the founding of the United States. These areas are protected and revered as educational resources about the natural world, and as spaces for exploration.

Keep scrolling for 50 vintage photos that show the beauty of America's national parks.