First Openly Gay Man in Pro Sports Played for Oakland A's | KQED This Week
1,325 views · Published 4 May 2013 · 6:40 · Indexed 18 October 2026
Channel: KQED News · 2013 · News & Politics
When NBA player Jason Collins publicly came out as gay this week, many hailed him as the first active player in one of the four major U.S. professional sports leagues to do so. However, that distinction should go to the Bay Area's Glenn Burke, a former Oakland A's baseball player who was open about his sexuality in the 1970s. While Collins' announcement has been met with more support than condemnation, Burke faced a different social and professional landscape. "Glenn was comfortable with who he was," said a childhood friend. "Baseball was not comfortable with who he was." Ted Griggs, President of Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, a co-producer of the documentary Out. The Glenn Burke Story, sits down with Scott Shafer to talk about Glenn Burke, Jason Collins and the You Can Play Project.
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