Seattle Mariners To Become 1st Pro Team To Fly Pride Flag This Sunday

The Pride Flag will fly over Safeco Field on Sunday, June 30, 2013

Seattle Out & Proud confirmed the news today that the Seattle Mariners baseball team would become the first Major League Baseball team to publicly fly the rainbow Pride flag during a game. The flag will be raised Sunday, June 30, 2013 over Safeco Field as the Mariners meet the Chicago Cubs.

“We’re thrilled to have so much community support in Seattle and greatly appreciate the leadership from the Mariners in promoting equality and acceptance in professional sports,” says Adam McRoberts, Spokesman for Seattle Out & Proud.

Leading by example, the Mariners will continue Baseball’s legacy as a social institution. Rebecca Hale, Director of Public Information for the Mariners told Seattle Out & Proud this morning, “We’re a part of this community. Our fans are a reflection of our community. We thought this was an appropriate gesture on a day that is very meaningful to the LGBT community.” In 1947, America’s pastime led the way for racial equality when Jackie Robinson became the first African American to play in Major League Baseball. Earlier this year when NBA center Jason Collins became the first athlete in a major American sport to come out during his playing career, many in MLB were vocal in their show of support for gay athletes. This will be the first time in US sports history that a professional team will raise the Pride Flag for equal rights.

Bravo to the Mariners organization for recognizing and supporting the struggle for equality by the LGBTQ community and honoring the thousands of LGBTQ and allied fans who love and support the Mariners.

Now the question remains, will the Space Needle bow down to public pressure and also fly the Pride flag this Sunday?