David Denson of the Milwaukee Brewers minor league has become the first openly gay player on a Major League Baseball-affiliated team.
With the help of former major league player Billy Bean, who came out after his professional career, Denson was able to tell his story to the media, according to The Huffington Post.
Denson also said that he was encouraged by the support of his teammates.
"They said, 'You're still our teammate. You're still our brother. We kind of had an idea, but your sexuality has nothing to do with your ability. You're still a ballplayer at the end of the day. We don't treat you any different. We've got your back,'" Denson said.
Denson is the first baseman for the Helena Brewers in the rookie Pioneer League, picked in the 15th round in 2013.
The MLB said that it applauds Denson for sharing his personal story and wishes him well on his hopeful journey to the Major Leagues, ESPN reported.
Before coming out to his team and the nation, Denson first came out to his family in the spring, according to Journal Sentinel.
Denson said that coming out to his family was tough, especially to his father, who is a former athlete and "very hardcore" Christian. However, according to Denson, he knows that he is still loved and supported.
