Glenn Burke 
Baseball

In 1972, Burke was recruited by the Los Angeles Dodgers and sent to play in the minor leagues in Utah, Washington, Connecticut, and New Mexico before being called on for "the show." 

In September of 1977 the Dodgers had the National League West wrapped up and were anticipating a trip to the playoffs and the World Series when Dusty Baker hit his 30th homer for the year in a game against the Houston Astros. Burke ran out to meet his teammate at home plate, leapt into the air, and taught America a new way to celebrate - the "high-five". 

Burke will probably be remembered more for another first. He was the first major league baseball player to openly discuss his homosexuality.

Burke's baseball career was cut short. Allegations of homophobia are always hard to prove, but within a year of playing outfield in the World Series with the Dodgers, he was traded to the Oakland Athletics. The management of the Dodgers had offered to pay for a luxurious honeymoon if Burke would agree to a "marriage of convenience" to conceal his homosexuality. When he refused, he was traded. 

In his 225 games in the majors, Burke batted .237 with two home runs, 38 RBI and 35 stolen bases. Burke continued his athletic endeavors after retiring from baseball. He competed in the 1986 Gay Games in basketball, and won medals in the 100 and 220 meter sprints in the first Gay Games in 1982.

Glenn Burke died from complications associated with AIDS on May 30, 1995 in San Leandro, California

"Being black and gay made me tougher." Glenn Burke ~ October 1994

The above material is a precis from Tom & TJ's Maximum File on Glenn Burke.  You might also want to read the book "Out At Home" by Glenn Burke and Erik Sherman, Excel Publishing, New York, 1995. 

More info: http://thediamondangle.com/burke.html

Check out more OUT ATHLETES page at Outsports.com

This page was last updated on 11 June 2005