Gay Former Major League Baseball (MLB) Umpire to Raise Diversity Awareness
October 10, 2012
The Office of Diversity & Inclusion and the Athletic Department are welcoming former Major League Baseball (MLB) umpire Dave Pallone to campus on Thursday, October 11 at 12:15 p.m. in the Athletic Center. Pallone, New York Times bestselling author of Behind the Mask: My Double Life in Baseball, will speak to students on the realities of sexual orientation, encouraging them to have both self-respect and tolerance of others. His visit to Mount Ida College is part of Diversity & Inclusion’s campus-wide programming to celebrate National Coming Out Week.
Pallone, the third-youngest umpire in the game’s history, worked 18 years as a professional umpire, 10 of which were in National League. Despite achieving his childhood dream, Pallone lived a closeted life in the sports world and, when he eventually came out as a gay man, he was fired. Through his personal and professional adversities, he had the courage to write a bestseller and has appeared in over 700 interviews for television, radio and print media on the importance of diversity, including ESPN’s documentary, “Homophobia in Sports.”
Through his work with colleges, universities, and corporations, Pallone has dedicated his life to educating people about the lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgendered communities. During his presentation, “Who’s Really on First,” the values of tolerance, diversity, and respect are encouraged.
If you are interested in learning more about Dave Pallone, visit his website. For additional information on National Coming Out Week, contact Roxanne Longoria, Director of Diversity & Inclusion, at (617) 928-4554 or via email at rlongoria@mountida.edu.