Dodgers Celebrate LGBTQ+ Icons Burke and Bean on Pride Night June 5

The Dodgers are set to honor the legacy of LGBTQ+ pioneers Glenn Burke and Billy Bean during their annual Pride Night on June 5, coinciding with the start of a weekend series against the Angels. This year, the festivities will feature the unveiling of a permanent tribute located in the center field plaza at Dodger Stadium, celebrating the contributions of these two trailblazers who made history as some of the first professional athletes to come out as gay.

The tribute will showcase pictures and memorabilia from Burke and Bean’s careers, accompanied by narratives detailing their impact on Major League Baseball and the broader landscape of professional sports. Billy Bean, who played in the majors from 1987 to 1995, spent part of the 1989 season with the Dodgers, showcasing his versatility by playing all three outfield positions.

Following his playing career, Bean dedicated himself to fostering inclusivity within baseball, serving as MLB’s senior vice president for diversity, equity, and inclusion until his passing in 2024 due to acute myeloid leukemia at the age of 60. His work has left an indelible mark on the league, even as MLB shifted its language around diversity in subsequent years.

Glenn Burke, who played with the Dodgers for the first two-plus seasons of his four-year career, is famously credited with inventing the high-five alongside teammate Dusty Baker in 1977. Tragically, Burke’s time with the Dodgers ended after management learned of his sexuality, leading to a trade to the Oakland Athletics in 1978. Andrew Maraniss, author of ‘Singled Out: The True Story of Glenn Burke,’ recounted how the team’s management attempted to pressure Burke into marrying a woman, a move he rejected, fully aware that it signaled the end of his tenure with the team. The emotional impact of his departure was palpable, with teammates visibly mourning his trade, illustrating the deep respect and affection they held for him.

The Dodgers first acknowledged Burke’s legacy during their Pride Night in 2022, inviting his family to participate in the celebrations nearly three decades after his death. Bean, a familiar face at past Pride Nights, has been honored at the event multiple times, including in 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022. This new permanent display in center field will ensure that both Burke and Bean’s legacies are celebrated for years to come.

Additionally, this year’s Pride Night will feature Maybelle Blair, a 99-year-old former pitcher in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, who will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Blair also participated in the Pride Night festivities in 2022, further emphasizing the Dodgers’ commitment to honoring the contributions of LGBTQ+ athletes.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.