Happy Pride Weekend

In recognition of San Diego’s LGBTQ community, the Padres participated today in San Diego’s Pride parade.

The Padres, of course, have maintained a strong relationship with former player Billy Bean, MLB’s first and only commissioner-appointed ambassador for inclusion. Mr. Bean, after a playing career in which he was forced to go to great lengths to conceal his sexual orientation, has been a continued presence at Petco Park in recent years, including his toss of the ceremonial first pitch at this year’s “Out at the Park” festivities in April.

Gaslamp Ball endeavors to be a place of inclusion for people of all orientations, backgrounds, and expressions of gender, and we hope that today marks a convenient time for all of us to reflect on the difficulties that have been tackled by brave individuals like Mr. Bean.