|
 In an interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Denson said he
told his teammates on the rookie-level Helena Brewers of the Pioneer
League about a month ago.
Denson, with the help of former major leaguer Billy Bean, reached
out to the newspaper to tell his story. Bean, MLB's first ambassador
for inclusion, revealed he is gay after his playing career.
"Talking with my teammates, they gave me the confidence I needed,
coming out to them," Denson, a 20-year-old first baseman, told the
newspaper.
"They said, 'You're still our teammate. You're still our brother. We
kind of had an idea, but your sexuality has nothing to do with your
ability. You're still a ballplayer at the end of the day. We don't
treat you any different. We've got your back.'
"That was a giant relief for me. I never wanted to feel like I was
forcing it on them. It just happened. The outcome was amazing. It
was nice to know my teammates see me for who I am, not my
sexuality."
Denson was selected by the Brewers in the 15th round in 2013 after
playing for South Hills High School in West Covina, Calif.
Brewers manager Craig Counsell praised Denson while talking to
reporters before Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies.
"I know David a little bit from going to see him in the minor
leagues," Counsell said.
[to top of second column] |
"We actually have the same agent while I was a player. So I always
looked out for him a little bit when I went to go see him and had
conversations with him. I'm happy for him more than anything. He
says it wasn't a courageous thing to do. Well, it was a courageous
thing to do, and we applaud that. I wish him the best of luck trying
to become a major league baseball player."
- - -
Miami Marlins starting pitcher David Phelps left Sunday's game
against the St. Louis Cardinals in the third inning because of
discomfort in his right elbow.
After throwing a pitch to center fielder Randal Grichuk, Phelps
walked behind the mound and bent over at the waist. Catcher Jeff
Mathis ran out to check on him and was soon joined by a trainer and
manager Dan Jennings.
Shortly after arriving at the mound, Jennings replaced Phelps with
left-hander Chris Narveson. Phelps left after giving up four hits
and three runs in 2 1/3 innings with a walk and four strikeouts.
(Editing by Andrew Both)
[© 2015 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
Copyright 2015 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
|
