Out at Home: The True Story of Glenn Burke, Baseball's First Openly Gay Player

"Out at Home: The True Story of Glenn Burke, Baseball's First Openly Gay Player" chronicles the trailblazing life of Glenn Burke, whose courage extended beyond the baseball diamond. Long before the likes of Jason Collins or Michael Sam, Burke shattered a barrier as formidable as the one Jackie Robinson broke: he became Major League Baseball's first openly gay player. The narrative, rich with Burke's personal accounts, captures his ascent as a promising talent likened to Willie Mays and details his covert struggles with his identity amidst the hyper-masculine world of professional sports. Despite his significant contributions to the game, including the invention of the high five, Burke faced severe backlash that ultimately curtailed his career. Published on March 3, 2015, and featuring a foreword by Billy Bean, this powerful story not only honors Burke's legacy but also serves as an essential read for middle school students exploring themes of gender equality and racial justice. The book encourages critical reflection on how far society has come in accepting athletes irrespective of their sexual orientation and prompts young readers to consider the ongoing challenges within the realms of sports and social acceptance.