Milwaukee Brewers prospect David Denson has become the first openly gay player on a team affiliated with Major League Baseball.
The 20-year-old first baseman, who plays for the Helena Brewers in the rookie Pioneer League, reached out to the local Milwaukee Journal Sentinel to tell his story.
He had received advice from Billy Beane, MLB's Ambassador for Inclusion, who disclosed he is gay after his playing career.
"Talking with my team-mates, they gave me the confidence I needed, coming out to them," Denson told the newspaper.
"They said, "You're still our team-mate. You're still our brother. We kind of had an idea, but your sexuality has nothing to do with your ability.
"You're still a ballplayer at the end of the day. We don't treat you any different. We've got your back.'
"That was a giant relief for me. I never wanted to feel like I was forcing it on them. It just happened. The outcome was amazing. It was nice to know my team-mates see me for who I am, not my sexuality."
