What does the MLB green ribbon mean on jerseys?

MLB teams are wearing green ribbons on their jerseys for the month of May. Here’s what it means and why they’re wearing them.

Fans watching MLB games in the month of May might notice an added ornament to the upper left shoulder area of player jerseys: A small, green ribbon. The ribbon will be donned throughout the month of May for select teams and games but doesn’t appear to be a league-wide adoption, at least not yet.

The initiative is primarily being pushed by the Tampa Bay Rays, who are also lighting their roof green in May to raise awareness for the cause.

What is MLB green ribbon on jerseys for?

The green ribbon on MLB jerseys is a symbol of mental health awareness and advocacy. May is mental health awareness month.

Why don’t all MLB teams wear the green ribbon?

While certainly a cause all teams would be willing to get behind, the ribbon hasn’t been adopted at the league level yet, leaving it up to teams to put it on their jerseys themselves. Fans first noticed the ribbons this season in a game between the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays.

The Rays are championing the cause in honor of Jean Ramirez, a member of the coaching staff who died by suicide in early 2022.

Tampa is wearing the ribbons for every game in May. Though it doesn’t say so specifically on their information page about the campaign, it seems as though the Rays are providing ribbons to opponents as well to stand in solidarity with Tampa.

If you or anyone you know is considering suicide please reach out for help to the National Suicide Hotline at 800-273-8255.