Hello and welcome to On Deck Circle for today, Tuesday, March 9, 2021.
Your need to read time today is 2 minutes.
Today’s LGBTQ Sports History Highlight:
On this day in 1897, the Cleveland Spiders baseball team starts calling itself “the Indians” in tribute to Lou “Chief” Sockalexis, a Native American on their team.
But the Spiders played so poorly, the owner transferred its most valuable players to St. Louis in 1898, and the remaining players became known as “The Misfits.” In 1900, the National League dropped the team altogether, along with four other failing teams. In 1901, the American League added a new Cleveland team, which was originally named the Blues, then the Broncos and then the Naps (after its player-manager). That name stuck; Even when the team was officially named the Molly McGuires, it was still widely known as the Naps. That was, until Napoleon “Nap” Lajoie was traded and, based on sportswriters’ suggestions, the team became permanently known as the Cleveland Indians in 1915.
The New York Times reported in December 2020 that “after years of protests from fans and Native American groups, the Cleveland Indians have decided to change their team name, moving away from a moniker that has long been criticized as racist.” As our Ken Schulz wrote at the time, “This move is a big contribution toward the momentum for inclusion. If that momentum combines with what has already been established by Pride events and the work of executives like Billy Bean, it’s going to eventually lead to the kind of environment where an active LGBTQ player will feel comfortable and confident enough to be public about who they are.”
Today’s Outsports Headlines:
For nonbinary high school swimmer, ‘dumbest thing I’ve ever done’ turned out to be the best
There is hope for minor league Pride Nights in 2021
Trans athletes are not cheap political piñatas
Other LGBTQ Sports stories making news…
The new wedge: States rush to block transgender athletes
- South Dakota Passes Bill Restricting Transgender Girls From Sports Teams; Governor vows to sign it
- Mississippi governor will sign bill banning trans athletes from school sports
- Maine bill aims to ban transgender athletes from girls’ school sports
- New Bills From Florida Republicans Target Transgender Athletes
- Transgender-athlete legislation advances in Arkansas
Dueling op-eds in Colorado:
Today’s SB Nation’s top story…
Dak Prescott’s new contract is a win-win for both the Cowboys front office and their star quarterback
Top LGBTQ News…
Lansing, Mich. effort grows to make firing or evicting someone for being gay, illegal
A victory for NC transgender students: School records will now list their chosen name
Queer in the country: Why some LGBTQ Americans prefer rural life to urban ‘gayborhoods’
Today’s OutShout:
Out college soccer captain Coup Gunn recently took a stand on the issue of “genital preference” on his popular TIkTok. Check it out by clicking here:
@cmaxxg Straight people never think these things through #gaytitkok #queer #alphabetmafia
♬ original sound – Coup
If you’re an LGBTQ person in sports looking to connect with others in the community, head over to GO! SPACE to meet and interact with other LGBTQ athletes, or to Equality Coaching Alliance to find other coaches, administrators and other non-athletes in sports.
Social Media Spotlight:
Out strength coach Kristyn Mastroianni of Connecticut showed off her daughter’s incredible snowboarding skills. Note: This baby girl just turned one and she started when she was only 10 months old! Check it out:
If you want your social media post to be included here, or to share one showcasing LGBTQ sports, email us the link at [email protected] or tag @Outsports on Instagram or Twitter!
Today’s Outsports Podcast:
Nearly every day of the week, Outsports has a new podcast for your enjoyment. Today on The GAMEDAY TEA, San Jose State University assistant women’s gymnastics coach Jeffrey Langestein joins D.Gil to discuss his gymnastics background, growing up, how he came out, what it’s like coaching, and some other interesting topics related to gymnastics. Listen here:
This and all Outsports podcasts are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify and on every platform where you find Outsports!
Today’s Sports Calendar:
MLB Spring Training:
Exhibition games are underway! Click here for MLB’s guide to your favorite teams’ schedules.
NHL:
Click here for ESPN’s schedule of men’s pro hockey action today.
NBA:
Click here for ESPN’s schedule of men’s pro basketball action today.
NCAAM:
Click here for ESPN’s schedule of men’s college basketball action today.
NCAAW:
Click here for ESPN’s schedule of women’s college basketball action today.
SOCCER:
Click here for ESPN’s schedule of soccer action today.
Share your thoughts in the comments below or email us at [email protected]
A new On Deck Circle posts every weekday morning on Outsports.com
