Out and Proud

MLB Umpire Dale Scott Says He’s Gay

First male pro sports official to do so.

Major League Baseball umpire Dale Scott, 55, revealed in an interview that he is gay and married to his partner of 28 years. “I am extremely grateful that Major League Baseball has always judged me on my work and nothing else,” Scott said in an article at Outsports.com that was published Tuesday. “And that’s the way it should be.” The umpire, who has worked three World Series and three All-Star Games, said he has received an overwhelmingly supportive response to his decision to publicly come out. He became the first male referee or umpire in major American pro sports to openly declare he’s gay. NBA referee Violet Palmer announced in late July that she’s lesbian. Scott will begin his 30th season in the majors next spring.