The Los Angeles Dodgers are holding their ninth annual LGBTQ+ Night at Dodger Stadium on Friday, June 3, when they host the New York Mets. And for the first time ever, the Dodgers will wear custom pride caps when they take the field.
These special caps will also be sold at the Top of the Park and team store in left field, while supplies last. This year will also feature an exclusive commemorative Dodger LGBTQ+ game jersey, which is part of a special ticket package available for purchase now at dodgers.com/LAPride.
Eight days later, history will be made in San Francisco on June 11, as both the Dodgers and Giants take the field at Oracle Park in San Francisco wearing their respective team’s pride caps.
“The Los Angeles Dodgers are proud to stand with and recognize the LGBTQ+ community in Los Angeles and globally,” president and CEO Stan Kasten said in a statement.
“The Dodgers have a history of breaking barriers and we’re proud to be a part of another chapter in MLB history as the Dodgers and Giants each wear their team’s pride caps on June 11. While our organizations have a long-storied rivalry on the field, we stand together when it comes to equality for all.”
Erik Braverman, Dodgers senior vice president of marketing, communications and broadcasting added, “The Dodgers annual Pride Night has become one of the most anticipated nights of the season.
“I am incredibly proud to have the added element of the on-field caps this year. I look forward to sharing these historic games with members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies.”
Prior to the game, the Dodgers will once again partner with LA Pride to host the official 2022 LA Pride kickoff party at the right field plaza bar in Dodger Stadium, from 5:30 p.m. until first pitch at 7:10 p.m.
Produced by non-profit organization Christopher Street West Association, LA Pride is Southern California’s biggest LGBTQ+ celebration and producer of LA’s official, original Pride parade.
“The Dodgers have a long and proud history of diversity and inclusion,” Braverman said. “Our year-round commitment and partnership with the LGBTQ+ community is something the organization takes very seriously.
“I am beyond excited to welcome back LA Pride as an official partner and so many other great community organizations who have been with us since the beginning.”
Former Dodger and MLB’s first openly gay player, Glenn Burke, will be celebrated and have his siblings Luthar A. Burke Davis, Joyce Henderson, Carol Maas, Paula Hunt and Sidney Burke in attendance. The Burke family will have the honor of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch.
“The Dodgers are once again proud to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community during this annual event, which has become one of the most anticipated nights of the season,” Dodgers executive vice president and chief marketing officer Lon Rosen said.
“We are also very happy to recognize Glenn Burke and honor his memory with his family in a very special pre-game ceremony.”
Other special guests for the evening include Billy Bean, another former Dodger and the only other Major League Player to come out publicly after his playing career. Bean currently serves as MLB’s senior vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion, and as a special assistant to the commissioner.
Dale Scott, who for 32 years served as an MLB umpire and came out in 2014, will also be at the game. He is the author of “The Umpire Is Out: Calling the Game and Living My True Self.”
Fallon Fox, a professional MMA fighter and featured in the book, “Fair Play: How LGBT Athletes are Claiming Their Rightful Place In Sports,” will also be in attendance along with other special guests to be honored on the field.
The Military Hero of The Game honoree will be 1st Lieutenant Belita Edwards, a proud LGBTQ+ veteran who was the first female officer allowed to work in the U.S. Army’s Transportation unit. The national anthem will be performed by international LGBTQ+ recording artist Wils, a singer-songwriter who brought a voice of change for the LGBTQ+ community in Asia after coming out as gay.
LGBTQ+ Pride Night will also include Friday Night Fireworks and feature a special music mix by DJ Bowie J. Fans are invited on the field immediately following the game for the fireworks show.
Dodgers partnering with LGBTQ groups to celebrate
The Dodgers will also partner with the Los Angeles LGBT Center, Varsity Gay League (V.G.L.), Greater Los Angeles Softball Association (GLASA), and Gym Sportsbar and Grill as part of the festivities.
The Los Angeles LGBT Center is the world’s largest provider of programs and services for LGBT people, and the L.A. Dodgers foundation will donate 50% of the 50/50 raffle proceeds to them.
The center’s nearly 800 employees, along with thousands of volunteers and supporters, are an unstoppable force in the fight against bigotry and the struggle to build a better world.
Outsports is a sports news website focusing on LGBTQ+ issues and personalities in amateur and professional sports. Outsports is the world’s leading gay-sports publication.
Varsity Gay League is the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ Recreational Sports league, established in 2007. With thousands of members, V.G.L. is committed to connecting players of all ages and skill levels, gay or straight, with new ways to socialize and play. A pregame kickball game with select members of V.G.L. will take place in the outfield following the Dodgers’ and Mets’ batting practice on June 3.
The GLASA is a gay and lesbian slow-pitch softball league committed to providing an opportunity for both gay and non-gay participants to compete in an environment conducive to the gay community.
Gym Sportsbar and Grill is proudly the largest family of LGBTQ+ sports bars in the country with locations in New York, Fort Lauderdale and West Hollywood.
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