(First?) Openly gay MLB umpire retires

[conor912]

Originally Posted by vintagetoppsguy

Is it relevant to the article? Does the reader care?

I actually asked myself the same thing while reading it. The short to these two questions is 1) No and 2) This reader did. While not permanent to his retirement, had it not been in the article, I would have never known that an openly gay man had umpired 3 World Series', which I, personally, think is important for as many baseball fans as possible to know.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Based on my observations and interactions, anyone who thinks most of the world is now tolerant or indifferent is wrong. Yes, it's probably better than it used to be, but we're nowhere near a world or even a country where it's a non-issue.

[pokerplyr80]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

Based on my observations and interactions, anyone who thinks most of the world is now tolerant or indifferent is wrong. Yes, it's probably better than it used to be, but we're nowhere near a world or even a country where it's a non-issue.

Yea I have to agree. There are still plenty of racists, bigots, and ignorant people out there. An mlb umpire being openly gay shouldn't be an issue, but for many it is. And for anyone who doesn't think it is wait until an active player comes out. Especially if he's a star.

[vintagetoppsguy]

Originally Posted by pokerplyr80

And for anyone who doesn't think it is wait until an active player comes out. Especially if he's a star.

You're about four decades late on that one.

[pokerplyr80]

Originally Posted by vintagetoppsguy

You're about four decades late on that one.

I mean publicly. I was under the impression Burke's teammates knew, but the media didn't while he was playing. It would be a huge story today if an active player came out.

[conor912]

Originally Posted by pokerplyr80

It would be a huge story today if an active player came out.

Without doubt. He would be the Jackie Robinson of the gays.

I can't believe I just typed that....though I'm trademarking it right now!

[vintagetoppsguy]

Originally Posted by pokerplyr80

I mean publicly. I was under the impression Burke's teammates knew, but the media didn't while he was playing. It would be a huge story today if an active player came out.

His teammates definitely knew (both with the Dodgers and A's), so I think the media had to know. Either way, he was open about it.

[conor912]

Originally Posted by vintagetoppsguy

His teammates definitely knew (both with the Dodgers and A's), so I think the media had to know. Either way, he was open about it.

And Burke would be the Jimmy Claxton!

[vintagetoppsguy]

Originally Posted by conor912

had it not been in the article, I would have never known that an openly gay man had umpired 3 World Series', which I, personally, think is important for as many baseball fans as possible to know.

I don't understand this. As a baseball fan, why do you feel it important for me (and others) to know that?

I would guess the majority of baseball fans don't give a crap, let alone think it's important.