MiLB Pitcher Kieran Lovegrove Comes Out as Bisexual
October 1, 2021 (New York, NY) — Athlete Ally responded today to news that minor league pitcher Kieran Lovegrove has come out as bisexual. Lovegrove, who plays for the Rocket City Trash Pandas, the Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels, came out publicly through a story published Thursday by ESPN. According to ESPN, this makes Lovegrove the second active professional baseball player affiliated with a Major League Baseball team to identify openly as LGBTQ+, following David Denson, who came out in 2015 as a member of the Milwaukee Brewers organization.
“Baseball is a game of statistics. And if you want to tell me that I’m the only queer person in baseball, I’m just not going to agree with you,” Lovegrove told ESPN. “Someone is terrified because it’s a terrifying prospect to come out. I do encourage any one of them to reach out to me.”
“Athlete Ally sends our love and support to Kieran Lovegrove, who is not helping to break stigma and silence around bisexual athletes, but also around mental health as well,” said Joanna Hoffman, Athlete Ally’s Director of Communications. “No athlete should have to hide any part of themselves. By boldly speaking his truth, Kieran is sending a powerful message to other athletes and fans that they aren’t alone, and that support is out there.”
Editor’s Note from ESPN: This story includes a graphic description of a suicide attempt. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or is in emotional distress, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK(8255) or at suicidepreventionlifeline.org.