First Openly Gay Player in Professional Baseball Pitches Shutout
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iStock/Thinkstock(SONOMA, Calif.) — Minor league pitcher Sean Conroy made history Thursday night when he took the mound for the Sonoma Stompers, becoming the first openly gay player in professional baseball.
It was his first start for the team and Conroy did it in fashion, going the distance and pitching a shutout.
The 23-year-old allowed only three hits in nine innings and struck out 11, helping the Stompers beat the Vallejo Admirals, 7-0.
After the game, Conroy said he was still trying to process the significance of the night.
“I still haven’t been able to process it,” he said. “After the final out, I just wanted to celebrate with my teammates like we always have.”
His debut for the Stompers also coincided with gay pride night at Arnold Field, the team’s home in Sonoma, California. Some players wore rainbow-striped gear to mark the occasion.
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