Vinnie Pestano: Former Side-Arm Reliever Reflects on Successful Major League Career

Right-handed pitcher Vinnie Pestano was on a sure-fire major league trajectory in college when a severe injury cast everything into doubt. Fortunately, a team recognized his inherent talent and took a chance on his recovery, and he bounced back to have a solid six-year career in the big leagues.

A side-armer, Pestano grew rapidly as a closer for Cal State Fullerton. In 2006, his junior year, he posted a microscopic 0.97 ERA in 29 games, while notching 13 saves and allowing just 4.62 hits per nine innings. Expecting to be picked in the early rounds of that year’s draft, instead he saw his excitement dashed when he was diagnosed with a torn UCL in his throwing elbow just weeks before he expected a team to call his name.

With his future unknown, he fell to the Cleveland Indians in the 20^th round and missed the remainder of the year. When he returned to game action in 2007 he showed he still had talent in spades and rose quickly through the system, saving 24 games in both 2008 and 2009.

Pestano received his first call up at the end of the 2010 season and stuck permanently in Cleveland the following year. He had a 2.32 ERA and two saves in 67 games in 2011, and then a 2.57 ERA with another two saves in 70 games in 2012.  Just 27, a lengthy career appeared likely, but a spate of injuries prevented him from having another full season in the majors again. He was traded to the Los Angeles Angels in 2014, giving up just one run in 12 appearances with his new team. However, he could’t find the same form or his health and left as a free agent following the 2015 campaign.

Catching on with the New York Yankees, he appeared in just eight minor league games before being released. Successful seasons relieving in independent ball in 2017 and 2018 completed his 12-year professional career.

In 223 major league games, all in relief, Pestano was 6-8 with a 2.98 ERA and 11 saves. He struck out 244 in 202.2 innings and was particularly brutal on right-handed batters, holding them to a combined .169 average during his career. Keep reading for more from this former reliever, who had nothing but positive memories from his time in baseball.

Vinnie Pestano Interview

Who was your favorite player when you were growing up, and why?: I didn’t watch a lot of baseball growing up and I didn’t have a favorite player really. I loved playing the game and growing up in Southern California there was no shortage of opportunities for games. I liked going to games, and having the Angels close by we’d make it to a few here and there. Right around the time when baseball got really serious for me the home run race was going on between McGwire and Sosa, and the Angels won the World Series a few years later. Those were probably my glory days of baseball fandom, but never had a favorite player I always watched.

Can you please describe what your draft experience was like, being taken in the 20th round by the Indians in 2006?: My draft experience was pretty unconventional. I was having a good Junior year at Cal State Fullerton and was expecting to be drafted somewhere in the 3-5 round range if I could keep up with the pace I was on. Ultimately, my body had other ideas and during a mid-week game about a month before the draft I tore my UCL. Heartbreaking to say the least.

For the sake of not turning this into an autobiography lets fast forward to draft day one. In 2006, I think they did like 16 or 18 rounds day one, I still had hopes that I’d get picked up that day, but it came and went without my name getting called. CSUF that year I think we had 14 guys drafted so there was a lot of mixed emotions. So happy for the people I knew that got that call on day one but a lot of angst and waiting, wondering if and when mine would be.

Early the next morning, my phone rang and it was a number I didn’t recognize. It was the Indians, a team I hadn’t talked to at all though the process, letting me know they had just drafted me. I think the first thing I asked was ‘You know I need Tommy John right?’ They said yes and that they were confident in their training staff and that we could get into all that later. So, I got drafted in June, had surgery in July, and signed in August. Pretty unconventional.

How did you find out that you had first been called up the big leagues, and what was your reaction?: In 2010, I was having one of the best years of my career. I started the year in Double-A, got called up to Triple-A a month later and was doing really well. You would have thought I was there for years waiting for my turn. I was young and impatient and wondering why they kept claiming guys on waivers instead of calling me up. You get that close and it’s like looking at a clock five minutes before class is out. So close to being out of there but those last five minutes feel like 30, and the last couple months of the Triple-A season felt like years.

We ran the table the rest of the year and won the Triple-A National Championship playing every possible game available, haha. After our last game our manager brought everyone together in the clubhouse once the celebrating had simmered and said some guys were going up. He also said some guys were going to be upset and some guys were going to be happy, but his door was open for either. I immediately figured I was gonna be one of the upset ones, but when I got called into the office it was nothing but good news and I would be getting my chance. Pretty great feeling and well worth the wait.

What do you remember most about your major league debut (against the Kansas City Royals)?: Oh man, the bullpen phone rang a few times and I had to get warmed up a few separate times but something always happened in the game and they sat me down. So frustrating in the moment because you get all amped up and ready to go and they just call down and say never mind. Frustrating when it happens once let alone a couple times.

The game goes on and it's close, so I think they will go with someone else because I’m the new guy and my debut won’t be in a save situation, although I had been used as a closer in college and in the minor leagues and was comfortable in that role. Surely you don’t give guys that chance their first time out, right? Well I got the call and since I had already warmed up so many times most of my nerves were gone and I got in there and didn’t give it up. Funny anecdote was that Shin Soo Choo caught the final out and not only threw my debut ball into the stands after he caught it, but it was also my first big league save as well. Anyone reading this that doesn’t know those are pretty big keepsakes, haha.

Who is a hitter who you feel you usually got the best of, and is there someone you feel usually had your number?: Kelly Johnson (2-for-4 with a homer run and a triple) had my number, Kyle Seager (3-for-3 with a home run and a double) saw me real well. Any lefty swinging player from Japan; those guys are so quick to the ball inside and take what you give them away. Not a great matchup for me in the least. One person that was a good matchup for me was Austin Jackson. Great baseball player, great athlete, didn’t see me real well (0-for-8 with 6 strikeouts). 

What is your favorite moment from your baseball career?: Professionally, my debut was special, having my family there; finally realizing a lifelong dream. Everyone’s hard work and time and belief in me paying off. Definitely a special moment. Also, pitching in the playoffs with the Angels. Small sample size but that was the biggest stage I have ever been on and I loved every pitch. Been fortunate to play on some great teams with some great players through high school, college, and pro ball. A lot of team success in there also but the first two up top are my personal favorite moments.

How surprised were you when the Indians traded you to the Angels?: I wasn’t that surprised given the up and down year that I had had. I made the team out of camp and didn’t make it through the first home stand before being sent to Columbus. Justified, but still upsetting. I reworked my mechanics down there and got myself right and got called back up. In 10 appearances after getting recalled I had given up one run and got sent back down again, so at that point I felt like my time there had reached its end. They had Cody Allen and Bryan Shaw both doing what they do and throwing great, so there wasn’t a real need for me. I was hoping that someone noticed my recent success and would take a chance. Ultimately, the Angels did and ended up throwing real well for them in the role they had me in.

Who was your favorite coach or manager, and what made them your choice?: You don’t play as long and at as many levels without great people around you. I had amazing high school coaches in Joe Hoggatt and Kevin Lavalle, along with Mike Najera and Kevin’s Dad, Hi Lavalle. Amazing college coaches in George Horton, Rick Vanderhook, Dave Serrano, and Ted Silva. Extremely fortunate in professional baseball as well with people like Mike Saurbaugh, Scott Radinsky, Charles Nagy, Manny Acta, Tim Belcher, Terry Francona, that's just to name a few. There is a dozen more that have had an impact on my career that I didn’t get to. I feel like I just accepted an Oscar, haha. All of them left an imprint on my career.

What, if anything, would you have done differently in your baseball career?: I’m not sure I would do anything differently, I believe I ended up where I was supposed to end up. Without the ups and downs of my career I wouldn’t have met my wife and we wouldn’t have our son. I wouldn’t be surrounded by people I love and people that love me out here in Columbus where I live now. Not to mention my family of course, but we are scattered about. Yeah, it would have been great to still be playing and in the middle of a big contract, but if there was no guarantee that none of the above would be the same I’ll gladly and happily and thankfully take the career I had.

Thinking on that though there is one thing. I wouldn’t have let go of my first agent, Page Odle if I had to do anything over again. He was a great friend and more like family if anything. I made what I thought was a tough business decision at a crossroads in my career and parted ways. I don’t think it changed the path of my career in any way so if I had that to do over again I wouldn’t have made that call.

What are you up to these days?: These days I am a realtor with Keller Williams in Columbus. I do pitching lessons on the side to get my baseball fix. I love helping people; I love problem solving; I love meeting new people and engaging with them. Both of those are great outlets for that. Keeps me moving and lets me be around home to help out and watch my son grow up a little more than a baseball life would. 

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You can check me out on Facebook or follow me on Twitter @historianandrew

I have also authored a number of books (eBook and paperback) on topics of baseball that are available on Amazon.

Mariano Rivera Hits an Inside-the-Park Home Run: The Baseball Historian's Notes for June 23, 2019

The 2019 baseball season is in full swing. Along with a full slate of exciting games, comes regular remembrances of players, teams and occurrences from the past. This is the next edition of the Baseball Historian’s Notes.

-There is an exciting new baseball museum exhibit at the Detroit Historical Museum. “Detroit Stars & The Negro Leagues” opened June 22^nd to much fanfare, including hosting remarks by Joyce Stearnes Thompson, the daughter of former Stars’ outfielder Turkey Stearnes. The exhibit has a variety of displays, including relics, from the days of the famed Negro League team.

-Billy Martin Jr., the son of the late pugnacious New York Yankees infielder and well-known manager, recently sat down for an interview with the Post Bulletin. A sports agent and president of an independent baseball league, he is steeped in the game much like his father. The younger Martin, who has represented the likes of pitcher Tom Koehler, believes his father should be in the Baseball Hall of Fame, citing his impact on the game in multiple roles. His induction could eventually become a reality, depending upon the whims of the Veterans Committee.

-Nearly 85 years after he last made an appearance in a major league game, slugger Babe Ruth remains an American baseball legend of mythical proportions. His memorabilia is among the most coveted, and that was proven yet again by the sale of one of his game-worn jerseys from his time with the New York Yankees from the late 1920s, fetching a record price of $5.64 million. The jersey was part of an auction of other Ruth items made available by members of his family, including his granddaughter, Linda Ruth Tosetti. Naturally, the previous record was another Ruth jersey, which sold for $4.4 million back in 2012.

-Larry Stone of The Seattle Times celebrated the 50^th anniversary of the lone season of the Seattle Pilots. Although the team was a miserable 64-98, they brought the fun and exciting experience of major league baseball to the northwest. Their sudden departure in the spring of 1970 to move to the Midwest and become the Milwaukee Brewers left a surprising void that was eventually filled by the emergence of the Seattle Mariners.

-Yankees’ left-handed starting pitcher C.C. Sabathia recently notched his 250^th career victory, throwing six solid innings against the Tampa Bay Rays. The 38-year-old is now in his 19^th season. He became the 48^th pitcher to reach the 250-win level, and just seven weeks earlier had become the 17^th pitcher to surpass 3,000 career strikeouts. Although not a slam dunk, he is continuing to build a strong case for the Hall of Fame. No longer the dominant force he once was, each accomplishment he continues to accrue is only going to give voters more to think about when his time comes to be on the ballot.

-His connection to PEDs has helped keep Roger Clemens out of the Hall of Fame thus far in his first seven tries on the ballot. Otherwise, the owner of 354 career wins and seven Cy Young Awards could have been a no-brainer first-ballot selection. While he waits to see how his candidacy plays out, he has added another Hall-of-Fame induction to his resume. The Pawtucket Red Sox, the Triple-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, recently added the right-hander to their Hall of Fame. Although he pitched in a total of just nine games for the franchise, his 2-3 record and 1.63 ERA, along with his legendary status made him a natural fit. In the meantime, he will continue to wait and see if Cooperstown eventually comes calling.

-Mariano Rivera, the best reliever in the history of baseball, just played in his first Old-Timer’s game for the New York Yankees. Naturally, he played center field and hit an inside-the-park home run, only adding to the legend of the hurler who spent his entire 19-year big league career in pinstripes. He also pitched the final inning of the game, saving the win for his team—something he did a record 652 times while a member of New York’s active roster.

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You can check me out on Facebook or follow me on Twitter @historianandrew

I have also authored a number of books (eBook and paperback) an topics of baseball that are available on Amazon.

Jeff Schaefer: Translating Versatility and Hard Work Into a Major League Baseball Career

Jeff Schaefer wasn’t the biggest, fastest or the strongest, but he was versatile and worked hard for everything he gained on the baseball diamond. Where many others failed to make the major leagues, he parlayed the gifts he did have into a career that stretched 14 seasons and included parts of five years at the big-league level.

Following a distinguished career at the University of Maryland, where he hit a combined .333, Schaefer was selected in the 12^th round of the 1981 draft by the Baltimore Orioles. A second baseman, the right-hander gradually started playing more around the infield and occasionally in the outfield. However, he was a light hitter without top-end speed and in the winter of 1986, he was purchased by the California Angels, having reached Triple-A, but no further.

After one year in the Angels’ organization, he bounced to the Los Angeles Dodgers and then the Chicago White Sox, where he finally received his first major league chance in 1989. He appeared in 15 games for the South Siders, collecting a lone single (against Rob Murphy and the Boston Red Sox) in 10 at-bats, with a stolen base.

Continuing his experience of being a journeyman, he signed with the Seattle Mariners that offseason and became an important cog off their bench over the next three seasons, hitting a combined .208 with two home runs and 20 RBIs in 204 games (just 341 at-bats), playing second, shortstop and third base.

After eight at-bats with the Oakland Athletics in 1994, his professional playing career was over. He finished with a .203 career batting average but was valued for his ability to fill out a roster by being hungry and versatile.

Keep reading for more from Schaefer, as he shares some memories from his playing career.

Who was your favorite player when you were growing up, and why?: Thurman Munson. He was grit. He was a gamer. He was the Captain.

What did you do to celebrate after being drafted and signing?: Nothing overly special; dinner with family and friends.

How difficult is it to persevere and keep fighting to make the major leagues after nine years in the minors?: Not as tough for me as it may have been for others. I loved playing the game. Yes, I wanted to be in the big leagues sooner, but I was just happy playing the game for as long as someone would let me.

What do you remember most about your major league debut (against the Oakland Athletics)?: Striking out... But I took three man hacks. The adrenalin was rushing through my veins like I never felt before

As someone who played with them for years, how would you compare the hitting skills of Ken Griffey Jr. and Edgar Martinez?: Two different hitters completely. Edgar was a self-made professional hitter and Junior was a hitter made by God.

What is your favorite moment from your baseball career?: My first start ever was in Yankee Stadium. I grew up a Yankees fan and Jeff Torborg saved my first start for Yankee Stadium, so my family and friends could experience it with me.

Which of your teams was your favorite, and why was that?: Seattle. I knew I was playing with greatness...They just needed time. Griffey Jr, Edgar Martinez, Omar Vizquel, and Randy Johnson.

Who was your favorite coach or manager, and what made them your choice?: I played for Joe Maddon in Double-A and Charlie Manuel in Triple-A...Jeff Torborg will forever be favorite. He gave a kid who spent eight-and-a-half years beating the bushes his first shot.

What, if anything, would you have done differently in your baseball career?: Nothing. I beat the odds. No one slated me as big-league player. I was an organizational guy in just about everyone's mind except my own.

What have you been up to since your playing days ended?: Regional Director of USA Baseball NTIS, CBC Baseball www.cbcbaseball.net, President: www.UDACF.org, Chairman: www.Knotholecarolinas.org

I hope this YouTube video helps as well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bLIxa5egq4 (Full video available here). 

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You can check me out on Facebook or follow me on Twitter @historianandrew

I have also authored a number of books (eBook and paperback) an topics of baseball that are available on Amazon.

Todd Greene: Catching Up with the Slugging Backstop

Certain skill sets can get a baseball player noticed a lot more quickly than others. One of those is power, as that’s something that can’t be taught. One of the best slugging prospects in the last half-century was Todd Greene, who had the benefit of also being a catcher, which made his dangerous bat all the more coveted and helped him go on to an 11-year major league career.

The right-handed Greene was a prospect right out of high school, getting drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 27^th round in 1989. He declined to sign and went on to Georgia Southern University instead. The St. Louis Cardinals rolled the dice and drafted him in the 14^th round in 1992 after he had three very productive years, but he returned to school to finish his senior year. 

He wound up hitting a whopping 88 home runs and driving in 257 runs in 240 games while a member of the Eagles. The California Angels, recognizing such production, picked him up in the 12^th round in 1993.

Listed at 5’10” and 195 pounds, Greene didn’t necessarily look the part of a hulking slugger; he just let his bat do the talking when it came to that. After hitting 15 home runs in short season ball in 1993, he hit another 35 in 1994 and 40 in 1995.

With little left to prove in the minors, the Angels brought up Greene in the midst of the 1996 season. He hit a home run in his second big-league game, blasting a long two-run shot off Brian Williams of the Detroit Tigers.  

With his bat much more of an asset than his glovework, Greene settled into a career as a backup catcher and pinch hitter. It was a role he was well suited for. Over the course of 11 seasons with the Angels, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, Colorado Rockies and San Francisco Giants, he hit a combined .252 with 71 home runs and 217 RBIs in 536 games.

Years later, he continues to work in the game as a scout. Keep reading for his memories of his time in baseball.

Who was your favorite player when you were growing up, and why?: Dale Murphy. I was a Braves fan, so he was naturally my favorite player.

What did you do to celebrate after being drafted and signing?: No celebration. I worked my tail off to be the best player I could be. 

How did you find out that you had first been called up the big leagues, and what was your reaction?: I was actually in Arizona getting ready for the Fall League when Ken Forsch called my home in Georgia. This is before cell phones. My sister got the message about 3:00 AM and I was in Anaheim about seven hours later.

What do you remember most about your major league debut (against the Detroit Tigers)?: Just being in the big leagues for the second time was awfully rewarding. I remember having my 1st at bat against CJ Nitkowski, who is now a good friend of mine.  I got my first hit versus Richie Lewis in my second at bat. I was called up in 1995 but did not get in a game.

In your opinion, who was the most underrated player you ever played with or against, and if you are feeling bold, is there anyone you can think of who was overrated?: Garret Anderson is the most underrated player I played with and against. There are several overrated players, but I’m not touching that one. 

What is your favorite moment from your baseball career?: Catching the first pitch from President George W. Bush before Game 3 of 2001 World Series.

Which of your teams was your favorite, and why was that?: The New York Yankees. Their fan base is great and made me feel like a part of the team immediately.

Who was your favorite coach or manager, and what made them your choice?: By far my favorite coach was Don Zimmer. Smartest baseball guy I’ve ever been around. Even though he was only my manager for a short time, Marcel Lacheman was my favorite manager.

What, if anything, would you have done differently in your baseball career?: I have no regrets, but would’ve trained differently to try and ensure I’d stay healthy.

What are you up to today?: Special assignment scout for the Arizona D-Backs. 

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You can check me out on Facebook or follow me on Twitter @historianandrew

I have also authored a number of books (eBook and paperback) an topics of baseball that are available on Amazon.

Minor League Baseball Announces May Uncle Ray’s Players of the Month

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., June 5, 2019 — Minor League Baseball today announced the Uncle Ray’s Player of the Month Award winners for each of the 10 leagues for the month of May. In recognition of the honor, each winner will receive an award from Minor League Baseball and Uncle Ray’s, the “Official Potato Chip of Minor League Baseball.” 

Columbus Clippers (Indians) first baseman Bobby Bradley led the International League in home runs (12) and RBI (28), was second in slugging percentage (.740) and third in total bases (71) and OPS (1.113). His month was highlighted by a two-day surge which saw him go 7-for-8 with two doubles, three homers, four runs and six RBI May 7–8 against Charlotte. Bradley, 23, was selected by Cleveland in the third round of the 2014 First-Year Player Draft out of Harrison Central High School in Gulfport, Mississippi. 

Round Rock Express (Astros) outfielder Kyle Tucker batted .333 in May and led the Pacific Coast League in home runs (11), runs (28) and total bases (80) and was third in RBI (28), slugging percentage (.741) and OPS (1.169). Tucker had a nine-game hitting streak from May 23– 31, homered in three straight games from May 2–4 and homered in four straight games from May 23–26. Tucker, 22, was selected by Houston in the first round of the 2015 First-Year Player Draft out of Plant High School in Tampa, Florida. 

Akron RubberDucks (Indians) outfielder Ka’ai Tom led the Eastern League in runs (21), on-base percentage (.434), slugging percentage (.635) and OPS (1.069) and was second in average (.333), hits (32) and total bases (61). He finished third in homers (seven) and walks (16). Tom hit safely in 20 of 26 games in May and recorded four three-hit games. Tom, 25, was selected by Cleveland in the fifth round of the 2015 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Kentucky. 

Tennessee Smokies (Cubs) infielder Vimael Machin led the Southern League in average (.369), hits (38), doubles (12), slugging (.534) and OPS (.974) and was second in total bases (55), third in on-base percentage (.440) and was fourth in RBI (17). He posted 12 multi-hit games and raised his season batting average from .250 to .346 during the month. Machin, 25, was selected by Chicago in the 10th round of the 2015 First-Year Player Draft out of Virginia Commonwealth University. 

Arkansas Travelers (Mariners) outfielder Jake Fraley led the Texas League in batting average (.371), hits (36) and RBI (26), was second in total bases (62), on-base percentage (.440), slugging percentage (.639) and OPS (1.080), and fifth in runs (19) and doubles (five). Fraley posted 13 multi-hit games and hit safely in 20 of his 26 games. Fraley, 24, was originally selected by Tampa Bay in Competitive Balance Round B of the 2016 First-Year Player Draft out of Louisiana State University. 

Lancaster JetHawks (Rockies) first baseman Luis Castro led the California League in runs (30), total bases (60), home runs (nine), RBI (22), walks (21), on-base percentage (.450), slugging percentage (.706) and OPS (1.156). His 30 runs scored were 10 more than anyone else in the league in May. On May 26, Castro went 4-for-4 with three homers, six RBI and scored four times against Rancho Cucamonga. Castro, 23, was signed by Colorado out of Caja Seca, Venezuela, on March 3, 2013. 

Salem Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran led the Carolina League in batting average (.388), runs (23), hits (38), slugging percentage (.561) and OPS (1.021) and was second in total bases (55) and third in on-base percentage (.460). Duran, who was promoted to Double-A Portland on June 4, posted 11 multi-hit games and had a 16-game hitting streak from May 7–24 that included eight multi-hit games. Duran, 22, was selected by Boston in the seventh round of the 2018 First-Year Player Draft out of Long Beach State University. 

Fort Myers Miracle (Twins) outfielder Trevor Larnach led the Florida State League in average (.371), hits (36), doubles (10), on-base percentage (.456) and OPS (1.075). He finished second in slugging percentage (.619) and total bases (60), and third in walks (16). He recorded 11 multi-hit games and hit safely in 18 of his 26 games. Larnach, 22, was selected by Minnesota in the first round of the 2018 First-Year Player Draft out of Oregon State University. 

Great Lakes Loons (Dodgers) outfielder Niko Hulsizer batted .330 in May and led the Midwest League in home runs (10), RBI (26), total bases (72), slugging (.720) and OPS (1.166) and finished second in runs scored (24). Hulsizer hit in 10 straight games from May 20–30 and recorded 10 multi-hit games in May. Hulsizer, 22, was selected by Los Angeles in the 18th round of the 2018 First-Year Player Draft out of Morehead State University. 

Kannapolis Intimidators (White Sox) outfielder Ian Dawkins led the South Atlantic League in average (.419), hits (49) and on-base percentage (.473) and was second in runs scored (24) and total bases (66). His 11 doubles were fifth best in the league in May. Dawkins posted 14 multi-hit games in May and had separate hitting streaks of 10 (May 6–15) and 15 (May 18–31) games as he hit safely in 25 of 26 games from May 6–31. Dawkins, 23, was selected by Chicago in the 27th round of the 2018 First-Year Player Draft out of Sacramento State University

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You can check me out on Facebook or follow me on Twitter @historianandrew

I have also authored a number of books (eBook and paperback) an topics of baseball that are available on Amazon.

Minor League Baseball Establishes Largest Pride Celebration in Professional Sports

Nearly 70 MiLB teams to host LGBTQ Pride-dedicated games and events this season 

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., June 3, 2019 — Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) today announced the official launch of MiLB Pride, the largest documented Pride celebration in professional sports, as part of the organization’s diversity and inclusion initiative. Nearly 70 MiLB teams will host Pride Nights or events this season. 

MiLB Pride events will include teams holding LGBTQ-themed nights, incorporating Pride into scheduled promotions, providing discounted tickets to LGBTQ organizations, and/or engaging with the LGBTQ community both in the ballpark and beyond. Additionally, some teams are giving back to their local communities by donating a portion of ticket sales to LGBTQ non-profit organizations in their area. 

MiLB Pride was created in response to the growing number of MiLB teams’ Pride events and a desire to further conversations about LGBTQ inclusion throughout baseball. Designed to reinforce MiLB’s commitment to diversity and inclusion and to provide a safe environment for all fans, the national initiative is prioritizing learning opportunities for its teams and fans. MiLB is arranging educational workshops, networking opportunities and social events — all designed to connect with the LGBTQ community and support the creation of a welcoming environment for LGBTQ fans, employees and partners in MiLB ballparks. 

“Sports can bring people together and help transcend differences. MiLB Pride is putting the power of sports into action and building bridges to the LGBTQ community that didn’t previously exist,” said Vincent Pierson, director of diversity and inclusion for Minor League Baseball. “Launching this program is a proud moment for the game of baseball and we look forward to building on this in the future.” 

The national platform includes teams forming partnerships with more than 150 local LGBTQ organizations across the country, making for authentic and genuine connections. Those alignments include MiLB’s national partnerships with You Can Play – an organization that advocates for equality and respect for all who connect with sports, regardless of sexual orientation and/or gender identity – and Pride Tape, “a badge of support from teammates, coaches, parents and pros to young LGBTQ players and fans.” 

“You Can Play is grateful to be partnering with Minor League Baseball as it continues to serve as a model for diversity and inclusion,” said Brian Kitts, president of You Can Play. “We share a commitment to growing a great sport by making locker rooms and stadiums safe for every baseball player and fan, including those in the LGBTQ community” 

MiLB Pride is the latest initiative to join Minor League Baseball’s other established Diversity Initiative programs including Copa de la Diversión™ (Fun Cup™), Women in Baseball and the FIELD Program, among others. In 2009, MiLB laid the foundation for a comprehensive initiative designed to diversify the industry by addressing racial and gender diversity within ownership groups, executive management teams, employment and more. 

For more information about the Minor League Baseball Diversity Initiative, visit milb.com/about/diversity.

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You can check me out on Facebook or follow me on Twitter @historianandrew

I have also authored a number of books (eBook and paperback) an topics of baseball that are available on Amazon.