Beloved Baseball Team Under Fire For Snubbing Catholic Fans, Promoting Ramadan Over Lent

The Detroit Tigers are facing sharp backlash after posting a celebratory message for Ramadan while staying silent on Lent, the Christian season observed by millions of Catholics and Christians across the country.

“As Ramadan begins, we’re wishing peace and blessings to all who celebrate,” the team wrote on social media, alongside a crescent moon image and the words “Ramadan Kareem.”

The post sparked criticism from fans who accused the historic franchise of ignoring its largely Christian base while highlighting Islam. Supporters of the team countered that Detroit is home to one of the largest Muslim populations in America and that the greeting reflected the region’s diversity.

Metro Detroit, particularly nearby Dearborn, has a substantial Muslim community and is widely considered a major center of Arab American life. Mosques, Islamic schools, and Middle Eastern businesses are deeply rooted in the area, making Ramadan a highly visible observance locally.

I’m not usually one to post this kinda stuff but it’s actually insane they posted this and nothing for Lent, they legit don’t have a single Muslim on the team and probably the org, yet half their team probably celebrates Lent. https://t.co/I94ae1qq3g

— Doe Jumars (@DoeJumars) February 19, 2026

Still, critics say that acknowledging one major religious season while overlooking another feeds a perception that traditional Christian holidays are increasingly sidelined in public life. Lent began days earlier and marks a solemn period of fasting, prayer, and reflection leading up to Easter.

Founded in 1901, the Tigers are one of Major League Baseball’s oldest franchises and a cultural fixture in Michigan. The team plays at Comerica Park and draws fans from across the state, including large Catholic and evangelical communities.

The controversy highlights the tightrope professional sports organizations now walk as they navigate identity politics and corporate messaging. What was likely intended as a routine holiday greeting has instead ignited a broader debate about fairness, faith, and whose traditions receive public recognition.

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