(First?) Openly gay MLB umpire retires

[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!