In April of 2016, the Red Sox invited Billy Bean to give a presentation about his life story and efforts to make MLB more inclusive. Then the Orioles stepped up and made it an official promotion in 2018, leading VP of Communications and Marketing Greg Bader to enthuse, “Based on the behind-the-scenes support the organization has afforded me and my fellow LGBT coworkers through the years, it’s no surprise that the team would also be so supportive in the public way.”Ģ022 Outlook: The most exciting move the Orioles made this offseason was moving their left field fence back 26 feet.
#Gay pride day 2022 series
returns in mid-season, he’ll represent an infusion of talent similar to the deadline trades that propelled Atlanta to the Series last year.įor a number of years, the Baltimore LGBTQ community had organized an annual informal Pride Night at Orioles games. but Matt Olson is still a pretty impressive replacement. That was all-time legend Henry Aaron doing what he did best: standing up for marginalized communities and being an exemplary representative of baseball and humanity.Ģ022 Outlook: The World Champions dropped the ball in letting Freddie Freeman walk to L.A. “I have no place in my heart for people who feel that way.” But it’s worth remembering what one prominent Brave said in response. Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Imagesįormer Braves closer John Rocker’s homophobic and racist rant about the New York City 7 train is one of the most infamous diatribes in sports history. Ildemaro Vargas proved you can’t lose a ball in the rainbow during Diamondbacks Pride Night last year.
This program includes an LGBTQ+ resource group that brings the team’s out employees and allies together in a safe environment to share their life experiences.Ģ022 Outlook: After a 110 loss season last year that signaled a full-on rebuild, the D-backs roster consists of mostly retreads and placeholders who, if everything breaks right, could contend for a World Series in 2014. To help you get started, here is a look at every MLB team’s connection to the LGBTQ community.Īs one of the highest ranking LGBTQ executives in baseball, Vice President and Chief Legal Officer Nona Lee has helped promote a spirit of inclusion by founding the “D-backs For Change” initiative. In celebration of Opening Day (and my favorite holiday), it’s time to reconnect with the game.
After an offseason dominated by competitive balance tax thresholds and pre-arbitration bonus pools, it turns out there will be a baseball season after all!