Does anyone know which players (if any) have made pro-gay statements in interviews? If so, who are they? Also, which teams reach out to the community the most as far as having gay nights at the ballpark, and advertising in gay publications, etc.. ****thanxx

The Braves are having Gay night at the Ted this Monday night, July 1, the Monday after Pride weekend. I'm not sure what all is planned, but I've got tickets, so will keep you posted.

Maybe Javy will do a strip tease for the boys! Nothing says "gay appreciation night" like the man with the best butt in baseball peeling away his uniform.

Yankees' pitcher Mike Mussina recently made a comment that I interpreted as at least somewhat gay-positive, during the Mike Piazza kerfuffle. Mussina had been asked how he would react if he discovered he had played ball or shared the locker-room with a gay player, and his response was something like 'I assume I already have', which suggests that it's no big deal to him. Also, I recall Astros' catcher Brad Ausmus made some kind of gay-positive statement within the last couple of years, but I don't remember the context.

As a Mariners fan, I hope to some day soon hear one of them make a gay-positive comment, such as 'I'm gay!'

On a local sports radio station, Nomar Garciaparra was asked about all the recent controversies in baseball (the strike, steroids, and gay ballplayers). His response to the possibility (rather, what must be the reality) of gay baseball players was to keep repeating "Who cares? Why is this a big deal? I mean, if a guy's gay, who the hell cares? I don't care!" If all 750 players on Major League rosters had that attitude, then a gay player coming out would be (in the immortal words of Linda Richman) "no big whoop."

[quote] Yankees' pitcher Mike Mussina recently made a comment that I interpreted as at least somewhat gay-positive...

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When the "gay ballplayer" story first broke last season, Steve Karsay was one of the few players who would address the subject on camera. As I recall he said it would be no big deal to him. Also last year, David Cone was asked for a comment by a newspaper reporter (from the NY Daily News, I think). Cone's reaction was "Why is this even an issue?" It may not be a groundswell, but I've heard more comments like these from players instead of the mindless "I would have a problem showering with a gay teammate" thinking from the likes of Eric Davis.

[quote]Originally posted by SeaMarFan:
Does anyone know which players (if any) have made pro-gay statements in interviews? If so, who are they? Also, which teams reach out to the community the most as far as having gay nights at the ballpark, and advertising in gay publications, etc.. ****thanxx

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Brad Ausmus was an former teammate and roommate of Billy Bean, and since Bean came out in 1999 has been very supportive of him and of gay equality in general.

Why the question, btw?

[ June 26, 2002: Message edited by: redsoxbreath ]

Mike Timlin said a few years ago in some magazine poll--can't remember which, however--that he's already had a gay teammate and that it wasn't a problem.

David Cone--same poll as above, asked if he would have a problem with a gay teammate replied: "No. Why would I?"
Jeff Bagwell more recently stated that he would be fully supportive of a teammate coming out.

[quote] Brad Ausmus was an former teammate and roommate of Billy Bean, and since Bean came out in 1999 has been very supportive of him and of gay equality in general.

Why the question, btw?

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I was just curious to know which players were open-minded and friendly, and which players have more of a John Rocker opinion? I read the anti-gay list but didn't see a pro-gay list. As for Billy Bean, I heard that Trevor Hoffman is also a good friend of his as well, and is quite supportive of gay issues.

Brad Ausmus's remarks about Billy Bean: “If Billy Bean is happy being gay then I’m happy for him. I don’t pretend to understand homosexuality. I don’t pretend to understand why a man loves a man. It doesn’t make sense to me, but I don’t understand quantum physics either.”

Even Rob Dibble, normally a Neanderthal, said that he had played on teams with gay teammates and it wasn't an issue.

~Adam

An ironic thing about Dibble having known a gay teammate is that Dibble played with Eric Davis for almost his entire career. Given that Dibble spent no more than half a year with the other teams he played for, he was probably not close enough to any semi-closeted ballplayer to have known. So poor Eric probably was showering with some gay player ogling him sometime between '89 and '93 and he just didn't know it.

As posted previously in a thread concerning Tino Martinez... I once read his response to the questions concerning so many gay men "loving" him... his comments was "I have no problem with it, it is nice to know people out care are fans, gay, str8, purple, blue"... or something to that effect.

The most secure guys are always the ones with no problem. I've been told by more than a few str8 guys of bad experiences where they were simply ogled or hit on too aggressively by another guy and that that affected their opinion. Which is silly on one hand since women deal with that crap all the time, but it would help if so many gay guys weren't so overly aggressively whether with staring, cruising or whatever towards obviously str8 guys. I just think american guys in general are a bit fragile when it comes to their masculinity...pro players usually need to go the macho route..

Yes, all these guys have no problem with gay teammates on camera. They don't want to come off as a bigot. But in the everyday lockerroom their outward behavior is quite different. They will take the homophobe stance as to not appear simpathetic even though they don't care inside. Hopefully these players will stick to their guns off camera and be supportive. I wouldn't mind Brad Ausmus comforting me while the spotlight is turned off.

[quote]Originally posted by JC:
David Cone--same poll as above, asked if he would have a problem with a gay teammate replied: "No. Why would I?"
Jeff Bagwell more recently stated that he would be fully supportive of a teammate coming out.

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Interesting note about Cone. I remember reading in the VILLAGE VOICE years ago that Cone also once said that when Darryl Strawberry entered the showers, his endowment made "everyone else re-evaluate their manhood." I always found that interesting--not just the info about Straw, but Cone's openness in stating it, and even admitting that he and others had checked out Straw.

I'm sure a number of major leaguers wouldn't have a problem with it. Folks who were very secure in their heterosexuality with enjoyable sex lives and no religious or cultural rationales to be anti-gay would probably be the most accepting.

Add Jason Giambi to the list. Recent Rolling Stone interview:

RS: If one of the players came out and said he was gay, do you think everyone could deal with it?

JG: It wouldn't bother me. These guys in this room are your family for six months, and you would hope guys would look past that. I mean, if the guy's a phenomenal player, you don't wanna break up that team unity because of his preference. He's still a phenomenal player.

[quote]Originally posted by thumper:
Yes, all these guys have no problem with gay teammates on camera. They don't want to come off as a bigot. But in the everyday lockerroom their outward behavior is quite different.

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I love ya Thumper but really, HOW DO YOU KNOW ??

[quote]Originally posted by JC:
I mean, if the guy's a phenomenal player, you don't wanna break up that team unity because of his preference. He's still a phenomenal player.

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What if, instead of a phenomenal player, he's a utility infielder? My gut says in that case he's just a faggot.

[quote]Originally posted by fantomas:


Interesting note about Cone. I remember reading in the VILLAGE VOICE years ago that Cone also once said that when Darryl Strawberry entered the showers, his endowment made "everyone else re-evaluate their manhood." I always found that interesting--not just the info about Straw, but Cone's openness in stating it, and even admitting that he and others had checked out Straw.

I'm sure a number of major leaguers wouldn't have a problem with it. Folks who were very secure in their heterosexuality with enjoyable sex lives and no religious or cultural rationales to be anti-gay would probably be the most accepting.

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So, I guess these are the str8 guys who frequent AOL's "Str8 Guys Look Too" chatrooms......

[quote]Originally posted by copman:


I love ya Thumper but really, HOW DO YOU KNOW ??

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Come on, Copman. You don't think they weren't paying attention when John Rocker opened his dumbass mouth a couple of years back and caught hell in the media?

I don't doubt that many of these guys really wouldn't (or don't) have a problem with a gay teammate. But you've got to acknowledge that some of them are much more comfortable with the idea of a gay teammate than the reality of a gay teammate.

I was surprised to see MTV included John Rocker in their Jock & Rock baseball competition this year. MTV is so pro-gay I'd have thought they'd not be so un-PC. Sports is a macho world and I've got to believe that the lockerroom is completely sexist, never mind homophobic. I work for law enforcement and the guys are still so sexist, I think we can't make progress on gay issues until the somewhat "easier" topic of sexism and then racism are dealt with. PS I am out at work.

As much as I wish there would be no problems in the lockerroom with a ballplayer "coming out", I feel there would tension on some of the teams.

Individually, a person may indeed not have and even say they would have no problems with an openly gay player, but it's when the individual becomes part o the collective when things change. Baseball is a team sport, and no one player individuality should overshadow's the team's coheisveness. The players know how a team operates and most will not jepordize their positon on team.

One of the problems of this situation is how this situation overshadows the team. So, collectively, it would take the team to act as one to determine if having a gay player is a big deal or not. Like any team, the leadership of the team would be critical in how the team responds should a player come out.

I don't think the problems that would arise in the lockerroom are unique to the lockerroom. I can only speak of my organization, but, I know that people won't stick their necks out to support someone in the hot seat unless they feel, it is politically safe for them do so.

Hopefully, if the team has good team leaders and a front office that is also supportive, any public frenzie can be dealt with and consentrate on baseball. Eventually, once the media sees that nothing extraordinary happens when a gay player is on the team, they'll move on to the next awe inspiring event or topic.

I'm kind of jealous that Atlanta, SF, Chicago, etc. can have a Gay Day at the stadium and my own New York Yankees never have thought about doing it...What do you think would happen if they did, given that some the NYYs have been supportive of gay fans/players (Tino, Cone, Giambi, Mussina)??
Jeez, HOW MANY gay sports fans are there in NYC? C'mon, take me OUT to the ballgame!

[ July 18, 2002: Message edited by: ROCKY24 ]

[ July 18, 2002: Message edited by: ROCKY24 ]

[quote]Originally posted by ROCKY24:
[QB]I'm kind of jealous that Atlanta, SF, Chicago, etc. can have a Gay Day at the stadium and my own New York Yankees never have thought about doing it...What do you think would happen if they did, given that some the NYYs have been supportive of gay fans/players (Tino, Cone, Giambi, Mussina)??

Jeez, HOW MANY gay sports fans are there in NYC? C'mon, take me OUT to the ballgame!QB]

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Hey, my boyfriend and I have gone to Yankee Stadium five times so far this season and we've made our relationship no secret there. It's not like we swap spit between innings or anything, but it's pretty obvious that we're a couple. Nobody around us ever seems to care.

If the Yankees did have a Gay Day, I wouldn't go. The idea is pointless in this city, I believe. I stick with my sisters when I go barhopping, but I don't like to segregate myself in every activity.

Still, the boyf and I were thinking about forming a kind of "Gay Yankee Fan" club. During games we love to comment on, say, how hot Andy looks on the mound or what I'd give to be a (fruit) fly in that lockerroom, but don't think it would be appropriate at the (breeder) sports bar we go to. We'd like to watch games (once a week, I guess, since every game wouldn't be practical) in a private home (we'd love to host) where the boyf can WOOF at Clemens and I can scream "I LOVE YOU ROBIN!" without offending everybody. And, yeah, Mets fans would be allowed but they would have to be the beer wenches.

Sorry, off-topic there. If there was a Gay Day in the Bronx, how many queers there would be actual fans, and not using the opportunity to cruise thousands? Jeez, the bathrooms there are skanky enough, right?

FeverDog

Hey SeaMarFan,

Curt Shilling was interviewed on The Best Damn Sports Show Period a few weeks ago. His comments went something (not word-for-word accurate but close) like this: Referring to the question about Mike Piazza's sexuality: "That boy's not gay" etc. Referring to the gays-in-bb question: "To even have to answer that question is repulsively stupid. Who cares. I've talked to some of the guys and we laugh about it."

It seemed obvious that to Curt and some of his teammates it just doesn't matter.

[quote]Originally posted by copman:


I love ya Thumper but really, HOW DO YOU KNOW ??

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Well obviously I don't know. But it seems to me no one is willing to come off as a jerk on camera. I've read many stories of actors hating the final cut of their just released film. Officially they love it. So being a bigot in the lockerroom is much safer than being a bigot on camera. Think about all the indorsements he would loose. Or all the votes a politician would lose if he came across as a bigot (or anything bad) on camera. It's a whole different story behind closed doors, without the press.

Maybe after all the hoopla over a player coming out.....

When one does actually "come out"...


It will all be anti-climactic.

[quote]Originally posted by lucid1:
Hey SeaMarFan,

Curt Shilling was interviewed on The Best Damn Sports Show Period a few weeks ago. His comments went something (not word-for-word accurate but close) like this: Referring to the question about Mike Piazza's sexuality: "That boy's not gay" etc. Referring to the gays-in-bb question: "To even have to answer that question is repulsively stupid. Who cares. I've talked to some of the guys and we laugh about it."

It seemed obvious that to Curt and some of his teammates it just doesn't matter.

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If it doesn't matter, why does he think to answer the question is "repulsively stupid"? When he says he and the guys laugh about it, exactly what is it that makes them laugh?

I notice alot of gay couples at Safeco Field here in Seattle. Everyone seems to be cool with it, even when it's quite obvious that they're a couple. I've even seen gay families bringing their kids to the game. This is a great city to be gay in, until you get to the suburbs that is. Even there, it's probably better than some midwestern big cities.

Originally posted by Joe In Philly:

B]If it doesn't matter, why does he think to answer the question is "repulsively stupid"? When he says he and the guys laugh about it, exactly what is it that makes them laugh?[/B]

Good questions. You pretty much had to see the interview to get how he meant it. I saw it twice and the second time it was even more obvious that his "Who cares?!" response was genuine. The subtext was clearly 'If he's part of our team, he's part of our team.'

What exactly makes them laugh? Not enough info in the interview to be positive on that one. But again the implication was that this is simply a non issue on the team, not even worthy of serious consideration.

To watch Curt Schilling respond to the basic gays-in-baseball question with so much intensity it was as if the interviewer had asked him if he'd still love his son if he found out his son was gay. And his answer was vociferous: What a 'repulsively stupid' question, of course he would. He obviously sees his teammates as family too.

Hi, Rocky - I don't think being gay at Yankee Stadium is a very big deal. My partner and I used to go to games regularly, and I've been to quite a few games with gay friends - a couple of whom are quite OUT there. On Friday night I was there with my nearest, dearest and queerest friend, who can be rather, well, nelly. He shrieked "oh, no she didn't!!" when Posada struck out and "work it, girl" when Mussina racked up a strikeout, and it seemed to bother me more than it bothered anyone around us. I think had he been wearing a Red Sox cap people would've been more bothered.

I meant a Gay Day for FANS!....not a circuit party.
Good to hear that there are guys going to the Bronx with their partners and arent' bothered. Could it be because you guys are bigger than a brick you-know-what? Anyway, I know NY fans can be cool with it but they can be fatheads too.

Does anybody know of any players who have openly gay brothers? I'm thinking that may be the first stepping stone to improving things in the clubhouse - some idiot makes a homophobic comment and the player says, "You're talking about my brother, you ass****." It would make it more real for the players without being as potentially threatening as having a gay player on the team. Just a thought.

This is a very interesting and intelligent thread. Thanks for starting it, SeaMarFan.

It's nice to hear that some of my favorites -- Mussina, Karsay, Ausmus, Tino -- are so tolerant, or at least outwardly so. Words may be cheap, but sometimes the simple act of speaking out and saying something supportive is an important first step.

Though I'm not a Piazza (or Mets) fan, I thought Piazza and Bobby Valentine were quite impressive in their remarks after the NY Post "story" earlier this summer.

FeverDog: If you start that Yankees fan club, please let me join! I'd like us to set up a committee devoted to the study and enjoyment of Yankee butts and thighs. We could have subcommittees focusing on the cute and perky (e.g., Jeter, Ventura), the massive and muscular (e.g., Spencer, Posada), and the faithfully departed (e.g., my beloved Tino).

Hey Fever Dog
Count me in too for the yankee appreciation club <g>

but as for this thread?

The issue with the gay player is NOT, i repeat, NOT with the str8 players. The str8 players, i assure you, KNOW who the gay guys are on the team.The ones who don't give a f**k don't give a f**k. The ones who don't like it, don't f**k with the gay player unless they have to. Being on a pro team is alot like being on any other job and like in many workplaces, they go on about their business and do their jobs.

The issue is with the media. That's who the teammates are keeping the secret from. Str8 players know that if a dude is gay and doing his job, there's nothing you can really say. However, NO ONE on the team wants the info to get to the media, because, then, and only then, does it become an issue or, to use that frequently used word, a "distraction"...

What someone does sexually in the privacy of his own house or on-the-road hotel room is HIS biz, and many players respect that. It's only the media that will cause any "distraction", not a gay player's sexuality.

THAT SAID?? I can also assure you that there are in fact members of the sports press who do indeed know of many gay pro athletes, yet they choose not to report on the sexualty of those players for any number of reasons, from privacy to the sheer non-sports aspect of it.

Let's just all agree that the gay players who are on pro teams are living their lives, some more OUT than others, just like in real life, like real people. Their friends and family know--just like some people in real life. They just don't choose--nor do their teammates--to share that info with the hungry, distracting media-- or to people who aren't important to them.

[quote]Originally posted by CatcherInNY:
Let's just all agree that the gay players who are on pro teams are living their lives, some more OUT than others, just like in real life, like real people. Their friends and family know--just like some people in real life. They just don't choose--nor do their teammates--to share that info with the hungry, distracting media-- or to people who aren't important to them.

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Good point - How dare they think that we don't have a right to know what goes on in their bedrooms!