Player praised for his courage
Brewers support prospect after he comes out as gay
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — It had been a long day and night for David Denson, in so many ways.
His team had been swept in a doubleheader in the low-level Pioneer League, he didn’t have much luck hitting and he’d made a throwing error, too.
But it wasn’t a total loss.
As Denson headed to the Helena Brewers clubhouse at Melaleuca Field late Saturday, a middleaged fan of the opposing Idaho Falls Chukars approached and extended his hand.
“I’m proud of you,” the man said.
“Thank you,” Denson said.
Hours earlier, the Milwaukee Brewers minor leaguer had become the first openly gay active player on a team affiliated with Major League Baseball.
The news broke in the middle of the second game, after he reached out to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Milwaukee manager Craig Counsell told his team about Denson’s story after its 4-2 win Saturday night over Philadelphia at Miller Park.
“It’s a very courageous move on his part to be the first one, the first active player to make this announcement,” Milwaukee star outfielder Ryan Braun said Sunday. “Hopefully, everybody is at a point where we can just be supportive, not just understanding, but accepting and supportive of him and his situation.”
In June, pitcher Sean Conroy of the Sonoma Stompers of the independent Pacific Association revealed he is gay. The Pacific Association is not affiliated with MLB. Denson’s coming out follows similar disclosures of late across sports: Michael Sam (NFL draftee); Jason Collins (NBA); Derrick Gordon and Edward Sarafin (NCAA basketball, football); and Dale Scott (major league umpire).
Several hours before Denson’s team played at Idaho Falls on Sunday, the Helena club said the first baseman-outfielder didn’t want to do further interviews for a few days.
“It’s a lot to take in right now,” Denson told the Idaho Falls Post-Register late Saturday night. “I’m a ballplayer first. That’s what I’m focusing on.”
When Counsell played in the majors, his agent was the same person who now represents Denson, 20.
“I know David a little bit from going to see him in the minor leagues,” Counsell said. “I always looked out for him a little bit when I went to see him and had conversations with him. I’m happy for him more than anything.”
Denson was picked by Milwaukee in the 15th round of the 2013 draft from West Covina, California. He has split his time this year, starting and struggling at Wisconsin of the Class A Midwest League before being sent back to the rookie level Helena team.
Denson is hitting a combined .229 with five home runs and 26 RBIs this season. He homered earlier this month in the Northwest/Pioneer League All-Star game.
MLB said Sunday that it backs Denson’s decision “to share his personal story and wishes him continued success with his goal of becoming a major leaguer.”
The league added that it is “very proud” of the Brewers organization.