L.A. Dodgers host 4th annual pride night

by Austin Stallings
Journalism Intern

The Dodgers have announced the fourth annual LGBT Night at Dodger Stadium Friday, June 3.

LGBT Night at Dodger Stadium will feature a ceremonial first pitch by Robbie Rogers, professional soccer player with the Los Angeles Galaxy. Other scheduled special guests June 3 include: Michael Sam, former NFL player; Jason Collins, former NBA player; Julie Shaw, women's basketball head coach at the University of Laverne; Mitch Eby, former defensive end at Chapman University; E.J. Johnson, TV personality and reality TV star; Noah Galvin, who currently plays the role of Kenny O'Neal in the ABC sitcom "The Real O'Neals;" and Lance Bass, international recording artist. The national anthem will be performed by former NFL defensive tackle Esera Tuaolo. Tuaolo is the founder of the anti-bullying organization "HATE IN ANY FORM IS WRONG," whose mission statement is to help address the issues and minimize the negative impact that hate has on our society, especially with bullying as it relates to today's youth.

"We are proud to work with so many incredible partners for our fourth annual LGBT Night at Dodger Stadium," said Dodgers' Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Lon Rosen. "We are committed to providing a friendly environment to all who reflect the great community of which we are a part. The Dodgers, with a proud history of diversity, recognize the value of an inclusive environment."

The Dodgers will welcome a new partner in The Sports Equality Foundation, focused on empowering LGBT athletes, coaches and sports leaders as they come out and work for inclusion and acceptance across sports at all levels. The Dodgers are proud to welcome back members of VARSITY GAY LEAGUE (V.G.L.). V.G.L. is California's largest LGBTQ recreational sports league. V.G.L. offers year-round sports leagues, tournaments, outside-the-box competitions and gaming activities. With thousands of members, V.G.L. is committed to connecting players of all ages and skill levels, gay or straight, with new ways to socialize and play.

The Dodgers have also made pride tank tops for the event.

The Gayly 5/7/2016 @ 1:45 p.m. CDT