"We share MLB's commitment to Diversity and Inclusion," said Darlene MacKinnon, Air Product's Director of Global Diversity and Inclusion/Talent Management. The event coincides with the 25th Anniversary of the Company's LGBT & Allies Employee Resource Group, SPECTRUM. The giveaway cap, presented by Air Products, features the IronPigs logo in front of the familiar rainbow of colors that serves as a symbol of the LGBT community.ĭuring the game, Air Products will be recognized for its efforts in supporting LGBT inclusion in the workplace and throughout the Lehigh Valley as part of its commitment to attract and retain a world-class workforce in our community.
"It is our mission to create an equitable working environment, free of discrimination and prejudice for every player, coach, umpire, employee, fan, and member of the MLB family." "MLB continues to lead by example with its social conscience and vision," Bean said. Bean serves as a resource for all 30 clubs and leads the Shred Hate Bullying Prevention Program - the first-ever league-led bullying prevention program for MLB, which has already reached nearly 20,000 students in 2018. After playing in the majors for six seasons, he now leads the conversation of inclusion throughout MLB.
"We'd like to thank our partners, Air Products and Bradbury-Sullivan, as well as Billy Bean, for partnering with us to help promote diverse and prejudice-free environments."īean, Major League Baseball's first Ambassador for Inclusion and current MLB Director of Inclusion, is scheduled to appear and speak to players before the game about the importance and challenges of inclusion in professional sports.
"We're happy to host the first of what we hope is an annual, inclusion-themed evening at Coca-Cola Park," said IronPigs President and General Manager Kurt Landes. The night's focus will be on promoting inclusion and diversity. The evening includes a cap giveaway to the first 3,000 adults 18 and older, an appearance by former Major Leaguer Billy Bean (the first openly gay Major League Baseball player), and the opportunity to support Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center. LGBT Pride Night, presented by Air Products in partnership with Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center, is the first such night in IronPigs history. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. And in honor of that and this weekend's game, the palm trees in Willie Mays Plaza have been wrapped in rainbow colors and lights as well.The Lehigh Valley IronPigs will host LGBT Pride Night at their Thursday, June 14, contest against the Pawtucket Red Sox.
Next weekend, Oracle Park is hosting two Pride Movie Nights, as part of this year's Frameline film festival.
Ammiano was the first openly gay teacher in San Francisco, and he recently made national headlines when an appeal to his Catholic high school in New Jersey resulted in them sending him a varsity letter that he was denied when he was a student athlete on the track team - ostensibly because he was outwardly effeminate. There will also be SF Pride t-shirts for sale, as the Mercury News reports.Īlso at Saturday's game, the Giants will be honoring former SF Supervisor and California State Assemblymember Tom Ammiano. Saturday's game at Oracle is for "Pride Day" at the park, and proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to SF Pride. Not surprisingly, the move has attracted plenty of hate on the Giants' social media accounts, including on Facebook - with one angry white man exclaiming in a comment, "I'm done with the MLB!" But the post has attracted plenty of support as well. The team's statement notes that the 11 colors of the Progress Pride Flag "signify inclusion and progression" as well as LGBTQ pride. #PRIDE /FOgmex88Lg- SFGiants June 1, 2021