Former Cincinnati Reds Pitcher Joe Valentine Becomes Athlete Ally Ambassador
Athlete Ally is honored to welcome former Cincinnati Reds pitcher Joseph Valentine as our newest Pro Ambassador.
Beginning his baseball career by leading his Deer Park High School team to the State championship title game, Joseph quickly moved up the professional ranks. While pitching for the Birmingham Barons in the Southern League, he was named a Double-A All-Star, as well as Baseball America’s 1st team Minor League All-Star. Joseph pitched for the Cincinnati Reds for three seasons from 2003-2005, making 42 appearances.
“I have been a lifelong ambassador to the LGBT community, having been raised since birth by lesbians,” Valentine said. “The world needs more understanding and patience and less hate and ignorance, and I hope I can help with spreading the word by being an Athlete Ally.”
Valentine joins Yankees legend Yogi Berra and current Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Brandon McCarthy as Athlete Ally’s third Major League Baseball Ambassador, aiming to promote inclusion and respect within the baseball and greater sports communities. MLB’s equality efforts also include the work of out, former player Billy Bean, who serves as the League’s Inclusion Ambassador.