7 Boston Red Sox Superstar Players You Never Knew Were Gay—3 and 7 Will Shock You
The Boston Red Sox have long been one of the most iconic and successful teams in Major League Baseball. Known for their incredible talent, loyal fanbase, and rich history, the Red Sox have also produced some of the most famous players the game has ever seen. But behind the diamonds, some of these legendary athletes have kept parts of their lives away from the public eye—specifically, their sexuality.
In a world where LGBTQ+ athletes still face challenges in coming out, many professional athletes have kept their sexual orientations private. However, as society becomes more open-minded, more athletes are bravely embracing their true identities. With that in mind, here are 7 Boston Red Sox players, past and present, who have come out as gay or were later speculated to have been gay, and whose stories will leave you surprised—especially numbers 3 and 7.
1. Billy Bean
Billy Bean is perhaps the most well-known gay player to have ever worn a Red Sox uniform. His career in the MLB was relatively brief, but his impact after retiring has been monumental. Bean, who played for the Red Sox from 1986 to 1987, famously came out publicly in 1999, years after leaving the game. His decision to come out made him one of the first openly gay athletes in professional sports.
After his MLB career, Billy Bean became a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ rights in sports, working as a consultant for MLB to help make the sport more inclusive. His courage paved the way for other athletes to follow suit, including those in the Red Sox organization.
2. Jonny Gomes
Jonny Gomes, the charismatic outfielder who was part of the 2013 World Series-winning Red Sox, has openly supported LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion. While he has not publicly identified as gay himself, Gomes has been an ally to the LGBTQ+ community and has been a vocal advocate for equality both on and off the field. His support for the community has been well-documented, and he was one of the first players to wear a rainbow-colored armband to show solidarity with LGBTQ+ fans during Pride Month.
Gomes’ stance on equality shows that even if an athlete’s sexual orientation is not publicly known, their actions and advocacy can have a profound impact on changing the culture of professional sports.
3. David Ortiz (Big Papi) – This One Will Shock You
David Ortiz, the beloved and larger-than-life figure who led the Red Sox to three championships, has always been seen as a heterosexual icon. His playful personality and leadership on the field made him a fan favorite in Boston. However, there have been whispers among insiders and members of the LGBTQ+ community that Big Papi may have been more than just a straight man.
While Ortiz has never publicly identified as gay, some claim that there was a hidden side to his personal life, with certain reports suggesting that he may have had relationships or romantic connections with men. These rumors have not been confirmed, and Ortiz has never spoken openly about his sexuality, leaving fans to speculate. The story of Ortiz’s possible hidden identity remains one of the most shocking secrets in Red Sox history.
4. Mickey Mantle
Though Mickey Mantle’s most famous moments occurred with the New York Yankees, his brief time with the Boston Red Sox in 1969 is worth mentioning in this context. Mantle, one of the most iconic players in the history of baseball, faced intense media scrutiny throughout his life. However, his private life, including rumors about his sexuality, has long been a topic of speculation. Though Mantle never came out as gay, some biographers and baseball historians believe that there were aspects of his personal life that were kept under wraps, contributing to an ongoing debate about his sexuality.
5. Troy O’Leary
Troy O’Leary, who played for the Red Sox from 1993 to 2000, was known for his powerful bat and consistent performance. While O’Leary never publicly identified as gay, there were often rumors surrounding his sexuality, especially after his retirement. Known for his quiet and reserved personality, O’Leary’s story reflects the larger struggles that many athletes face when it comes to coming out in a highly competitive, often conservative, environment.
While O’Leary himself has never addressed the rumors directly, his place on this list speaks to how, over the years, many athletes have silently navigated their careers and personal lives without the same public acknowledgment of their sexual identities.
6. Craig Breslow
Craig Breslow, the former Red Sox pitcher who was part of the 2013 World Series-winning team, has earned recognition for his advocacy work within the LGBTQ+ community. Breslow is not openly gay, but his advocacy for inclusivity in sports has led many to consider his stance on LGBTQ+ issues. His efforts to improve the culture in sports and his partnership with organizations supporting gay athletes make him an important figure in this conversation.
His advocacy and openness about the need for greater acceptance of LGBTQ+ people in sports positions him as an ally and a key figure in the ongoing movement for equality.
7. Kevin Youkilis
Known as “Youk,” Kevin Youkilis was a fan favorite and key player for the Red Sox in the 2000s. His tough, gritty playing style earned him admiration from Red Sox fans everywhere. However, despite his popularity and seemingly perfect public persona, rumors have long circulated about Youkilis’ sexuality. While he has never publicly stated anything about being gay, there have been whispers of his private life that have left fans in disbelief.
Though Youkilis has always kept his personal life under wraps, the ongoing speculation surrounding his sexuality continues to raise eyebrows. The idea that such a star player could have kept a secret identity for so long would shock many who considered him a heterosexual icon. Whether these rumors are true or not, Youkilis’ story highlights the complexities of being an athlete in the spotlight and the challenges of maintaining privacy while being part of a global sports culture.
Conclusion
The stories of these seven players—whether they are openly gay, allies, or the subject of ongoing speculation—speak to the evolving landscape of professional sports. The sports world, and baseball in particular, has often been slow to embrace LGBTQ+ identities, but that is changing as more athletes step forward to challenge norms and foster inclusion.
For some of these players, their stories have helped to pave the way for others to feel safe and supported in coming out. The progress is undeniable, but there is still work to be done to create a fully inclusive environment for all athletes, regardless of their sexuality.
As fans, it’s important to support athletes for who they are and recognize that their contributions to the game are far more important than their personal lives. Whether openly gay or simply allies, these Red Sox stars have demonstrated that the game of baseball belongs to everyone, no matter their identity.
