Last December, Dale Scott took a leap of faith and decided to come out publicly as gay. It’s a big decision for anyone to make, but as an umpire for Major League Baseball, Dale was risking potential backlash on and off the field. Homophobia in sports has come a long way, but the problem still persists.
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But when a magazine decided to profile his life and career, Dale didn’t feel right about omitting his long-term relationship with Michael Rausch. A photo of the two arm in arm described them as “longtime companions.”
In an interview with OutSports shortly after, Dale said:
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“The first 10 years of my Major League umpire career, I would have been horrified if a story had come out that I was gay.”
So what’s life like for Dale six months later? We’re thrilled to report that his update couldn’t be better.
In a followup with OutSports, he said:
“The reaction has been business as usual.
Since spring training I’ve had two players and one base coach congratulate me for being honest about who I am, but that’s been it.
The lack of reaction says a lot to me, that we’re getting closer and closer to an announcement like this being no news as all, the way it should be.”
He also spoke of being contacted by a closeted 17-year-old who wants to be an umpire. The teen said Dale’s story inspired him to believe that his own sexual orientation won’t be a barrier in fulfilling his dreams.
Dale took him out to lunch to offer advice and added, “He’s got a great head on his shoulders, I was glad to have met him. It is still very humbling to hear from people who say my story has given them more confidence in their lives.”
From the looks of it, Dale has quite the head on his shoulders as well.
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stevenb
Dave Pallone was the first out gay umpire way back in the 80’s. He came out after he was fired.
Kangol
@stevenb: True. Pallone also was a union-busting scab.
Congrats to Dale Scott, and maybe he’ll inspire not only future umpires, but a Major Leaguer or two to come out. Wasn’t one planning to or supposed to come out a few years ago?
wpewen
Getting into judgemental crap with these guys should be off limits. Pallone’s scab status was indeed disturbing, but what would anyone else have done? Just to get the chance to participate in major league sports at all is something most who try never get near. And, like Dave Kopay, when it’s over it’s over.
Someone like Dale Scott is extremely lucky.
Redpalacebulleaglesox
@stevenb: Hard as it is for me to say, Pallone was fired because he was rated a poor umpire. His gayness may have been the icing on the cake but he was poor back when mediocre was considered good.
Maude
I have no names, but years ago, a major league umpire wrote a book after he retired, and he claimed ‘sexual’ relationships with several major league players, and one manager of a major league team.
It made no more than a few ripples, but several mangers spoke out…”I’m Not Gay!”