Three weeks after Michael Sam revealed his sexual orientation, Matt Kaplon, Drew University's star baseball player, came out, Sunday.
As the 21-year old approaches his final season at the New Jersey University, he gathered his teammates last weekend to make the announcement.
Before leaving for a community service, the senior from Palisades Park, N.J., announced to his teammates in a classroom saying he was gay. After moments of silence, praises and applauds filled the room.
Coach Brian Hirschberg told Outsports that Kaplon is like a family member and that he respects him more now.
One teammate said, "That was the manliest thing I've ever seen.'' Anthony Feltre, second baseman, said that Kaplon's revelation doesn't change their relation between them. In fact, they have started to hang out more and talk more about serious things.
"It's amazing to see how much more real your friendships become when you open up to them and let them know who you are," Kaplon told OutSports.
The fear of being called a 'faggot' and 'sissy' kept Kaplan from revealing his sexuality. "Growing up in sports, you kind of hear this stigma that being gay isn't OK," Kaplon told OutSports.
After having a great time with his teammates at Drew for three and a half years, Kaplon did not feel it right to hide things from them. He wanted his teammates to know him completely. Support from his family and friends outside college gave him the courage to disclose his sexuality to his teammates and coach.
Kaplan did not want his team to find out about his sexual orientation from other people. He also wanted to make the announcement before his senior season started.
Drew opens its season March 6 with a game against William Paterson. Kaplon batted .327 last year with 49 RBI.
Of late, several college athletes have been revealing their sexuality. Some include footballer Conner Mertens at Williamette University and Hillsdale College basketballer Derek Schell. Jason Collins became the first openly gay player to participate in any of the four major North American sports after signing a contract with Brooklyn Nets of the NBA.
