During their matchup with the Cubs on Sunday, the Seattle Mariners will fly a rainbow Pride flag, becoming the first Major League Baseball team to do so. The game coincides with the 39th annual Seattle Pride Parade, which begins about a mile away from Safeco Field and this year celebrates “Equality: Passed, Present and Future.” SeattlePride.org has more:

Rebecca Hale, Director of Public Information for the Mariners told Seattle Out & Proud this morning, “We’re a part of this community. Our fans are a reflection of our community. We thought this was an appropriate gesture on a day that is very meaningful to the LGBT community.”

A gesture as simple as flying a flag might not seem like much on face, but it represents another step forward for professional sports. Despite the Supreme Court’s repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act on Thursday, same-sex couples can legally marry in only nine of the 50 U.S. states — Washington among them. The Mariners are making a meaningful statement on behalf of a group still widely denied equal rights.

Someone will inevitably ask why the Mariners don’t fly some sort of Straight Pride flag too, but that’s silly. Straight people are not denied rights anywhere, and there’s no lasting stigma preventing straight athletes and fans from being comfortable and open about who they are.

By supporting the LGBT community, the Mariners not only come down on the right side of history, they signify that they welcome everyone who wants to be associated with the organization regardless of their sexuality.

Thanks to Hardball Talk for calling our attention to this story.