Blue Jays' Minor League Team Welcomes Gays

Ken Key had the honor of tossing out the first pitch at Knology Park.

Then when the game started, Ken got to watch the game with a co-worker, whose son plays left field for the Dunedin Blue Jays.

It was kind of night sports fans enjoy.

But Ken is here, because on Equality and Diversity night, where the city and the team give a special welcome to the Bay Area's gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community.

Ken Key, Baseball Fan:
“Anything I can do to support people who support me, I'm gonna do.”
Ken Carson, Director of Florida Operations Toronto Blue Jays:
“We're very proud and honored to do it.”
Ken Carson has been with the Toronto Blue Jays for more than 20 years.

He says this event benefits the community, and the players.

Ken Carson, Director of Florida Operations Toronto Blue Jays:
“And I'm sure there are players that know other players that are gay."
Ken Key, Baseball Fan:
“The locker rooms are probably still pretty homophobic, it would probably be very difficult for an openly gay man to play professional team sports in America Today.”
But Ken says nights like this are a start, a chance instead of seeing and sorting people by sexual orientation, they see fans with with a passion for sports.

Ken Key, Baseball Fan:
“In a sporting environment, I'm probably more knowledgable than most. Especially when it comes to football, baseball, or hockey.”
This is the second year of this event, and members of Equality Florida say, they're seeing progress, as this seems like just another day at the Ballpark.
(source: Tampabays10.com)