Out at Home

The True Story of Glenn Burke, Baseball's First Openly Gay Player

Nonfiction, Sports, Baseball, Biography & Memoir
Cover of the book Out at Home by Glenn Burke, Erik Sherman, Penguin Publishing Group
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Glenn Burke, Erik Sherman ISBN: 9780698196612
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group Publication: March 3, 2015
Imprint: Berkley Language: English
Author: Glenn Burke, Erik Sherman
ISBN: 9780698196612
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Publication: March 3, 2015
Imprint: Berkley
Language: English

Before Jason Collins, before Michael Sam, there was Glenn Burke. By becoming the first—and only—openly gay player in Major League Baseball, Glenn would become a pioneer in his own way, nearly thirty years after another black Dodger rookie, Jackie Robinson, broke the league’s color barrier. This is Glenn’s story, in his own words . . .

Touted by scouts and coaches alike as “the next Willie Mays,” Burke, a charismatic outfielder, kept his sexuality off the radar for a good two seasons, which included a World Series appearance. He was even credited with inventing the high five with teammate Dusty Baker.

But when the Dodgers’ front office got wind of Burke’s sexuality, the damage control started, including efforts by upper management to talk him into a sham marriage. When Burke refused, he was eventually traded to Oakland, where he received a less-than-warm welcome from incoming manager Billy Martin. The prejudice, coupled with an injured knee, forced Burke into retirement at only twenty-seven years old.

Now, two decades after his death from AIDS-related complications, the man who started the conversation is finally being included in it. Major League Baseball recognized him as a gay pioneer at the 2014 All-Star game. And Burke has become a source of inspiration for athletes who refuse to be defined by who they love, while doing what they love.

**Includes a new afterword by coauthor Erik Sherman reflecting on the two decades that have passed since Burke’s death.

Foreword by Billy Bean**

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Before Jason Collins, before Michael Sam, there was Glenn Burke. By becoming the first—and only—openly gay player in Major League Baseball, Glenn would become a pioneer in his own way, nearly thirty years after another black Dodger rookie, Jackie Robinson, broke the league’s color barrier. This is Glenn’s story, in his own words . . .

Touted by scouts and coaches alike as “the next Willie Mays,” Burke, a charismatic outfielder, kept his sexuality off the radar for a good two seasons, which included a World Series appearance. He was even credited with inventing the high five with teammate Dusty Baker.

But when the Dodgers’ front office got wind of Burke’s sexuality, the damage control started, including efforts by upper management to talk him into a sham marriage. When Burke refused, he was eventually traded to Oakland, where he received a less-than-warm welcome from incoming manager Billy Martin. The prejudice, coupled with an injured knee, forced Burke into retirement at only twenty-seven years old.

Now, two decades after his death from AIDS-related complications, the man who started the conversation is finally being included in it. Major League Baseball recognized him as a gay pioneer at the 2014 All-Star game. And Burke has become a source of inspiration for athletes who refuse to be defined by who they love, while doing what they love.

**Includes a new afterword by coauthor Erik Sherman reflecting on the two decades that have passed since Burke’s death.

Foreword by Billy Bean**

More books from Penguin Publishing Group

Cover of the book Witch Fury by Glenn Burke, Erik Sherman
Cover of the book White Trash by Glenn Burke, Erik Sherman
Cover of the book Sister Noon by Glenn Burke, Erik Sherman
Cover of the book Aunt Dimity and the Family Tree by Glenn Burke, Erik Sherman
Cover of the book The Cheater's Diet by Glenn Burke, Erik Sherman
Cover of the book Downfall by Glenn Burke, Erik Sherman
Cover of the book The Blank Slate by Glenn Burke, Erik Sherman
Cover of the book Devil's Bargain by Glenn Burke, Erik Sherman
Cover of the book Prom Night: Making Out by Glenn Burke, Erik Sherman
Cover of the book The Devil's Dozen by Glenn Burke, Erik Sherman
Cover of the book Empire Express by Glenn Burke, Erik Sherman
Cover of the book Nora Roberts' Circle Trilogy by Glenn Burke, Erik Sherman
Cover of the book How to Modify Your Mopar Magnum V-8HP1473 by Glenn Burke, Erik Sherman
Cover of the book Shock by Glenn Burke, Erik Sherman
Cover of the book The Whispering of Bones by Glenn Burke, Erik Sherman
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy