Watch: A's Maxwell gets standing ovation in 1st AB since kneeling

Oakland has Bruce Maxwell's back.

On Monday, the rookie catcher - who, over the weekend, became the first baseball player to take a knee during the national anthem - appeared in his first game since beginning his protest. Maxwell's at-bat was greeted with a loud, standing applause from a sparse crowd of Athletics fans at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum before he flew out to left field.

"It was unexpected, just because of the negativity that I've gotten, but it was refreshing," Maxwell said of the ovation, according to Jane Lee of MLB.com. "People actually care about people in this country, so it's a good thing."

Related: A's Maxwell says he's received threats but won't stop kneeling

Although the 26-year-old had made headlines on the weekend for his protest, Monday marked Maxwell's first game in nearly a week. He had been placed in concussion protocol by the A's after being hit by a foul ball while catching in a game on Sept. 20.

Maxwell also got support Monday from members of the Oakland Unified School District Honor Band, who collectively took a knee in solidarity with Maxwell while performing "The Star-Spangled Banner" prior to the game.

(Courtesy: Action Images)