Anthony Bowens Hits a Home Run: AEW Star Fulfills Lifelong Dream with San Francisco Giants

Anthony Bowens, known worldwide for his achievements in professional wrestling and as a proud advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, celebrated a personal triumph this week: he stepped onto the field with the San Francisco Giants, fulfilling a dream rooted in his youth as a lifelong baseball fan. On August 11, Bowens shared a photo tagging both @sfgiants and @aew, marking the occasion as “a dream come true” and underscoring the significance such moments hold for LGBTQ+ visibility in major sports leagues .

Bowens’ connection to baseball runs deep. Before becoming a prominent figure in professional wrestling, he played baseball for over a decade, including stints at Montclair State University and Seton Hall University. His career statistics reflect his dedication, with 69 games played and consistent offensive performance throughout multiple seasons . This foundation in athletics shaped Bowens’ drive and resilience, qualities that have served him in the ring and as a role model.

Bowens’ career in wrestling began in 2012, and by 2013 he was making his professional debut. His wrestling trajectory includes holding the AEW World Tag Team Champion title and being the longest reigning AEW World Trios Champion with The Acclaimed . Bowens was discovered by WWE’s Santino Marella, who encouraged him to pursue wrestling—a transition that led Bowens to become one of the most visible openly gay athletes in the sport.

His experiences as an athlete who is both Black and openly gay have made Bowens a trailblazer. In interviews, Bowens has emphasized the importance of authenticity and visibility, stating that young LGBTQ+ athletes need to see representation in all areas of professional sports .

Bowens’ opportunity with the San Francisco Giants was more than a personal win—it was a symbolic step for LGBTQ+ representation in sports. Major League Baseball has made strides in recent years to highlight Pride initiatives and welcome LGBTQ+ athletes and fans. Bowens, who has previously served as Grand Marshal for Dallas Pride, continues to use his platform to encourage acceptance and celebration of LGBTQ+ identities .

The Giants themselves have a history of supporting LGBTQ+ inclusion, notably hosting annual Pride Nights and partnering with local advocacy organizations. Bowens’ appearance builds on these efforts, sending a message to both baseball and wrestling communities: LGBTQ+ athletes belong in every arena and on every field.

Bowens’ recent milestone is the latest in a series of achievements that blend athletic excellence with advocacy. He regularly speaks out about the significance of Pride, encouraging fans and fellow athletes to attend events and support each other. “It’s cool to be able to represent the community and professional wrestling all over the world,” Bowens told Dallas Weekly prior to his Dallas Pride Grand Marshal role . His outreach extends beyond wrestling; Bowens leverages social media platforms, such as Instagram, to celebrate victories and share messages of encouragement for LGBTQ+ youth .

Bowens’ visibility is especially valuable in a climate where not all LGBTQ+ athletes feel safe or supported. By sharing his experiences—whether on a wrestling stage, a baseball field, or at Pride celebrations—he underscores the importance of authenticity, representation, and community.

The LGBTQ+ sports community responded enthusiastically to Bowens’ San Francisco Giants appearance. Many fans view it as a bridge between traditionally heteronormative sports spaces and more inclusive environments. Bowens’ journey from college baseball to professional wrestling and now, symbolically, to the Giants’ field, is illustrative of the evolving landscape for queer athletes.

Organizations such as Athlete Ally and the Human Rights Campaign have long advocated for greater inclusion and representation in sports. Bowens’ achievements add a personal narrative to these broader efforts, reminding fans and athletes alike of the power of visibility and pride .

Anthony Bowens continues to break barriers, both in athletics and advocacy. As AEW prepares for major events in North Texas and Bowens maintains his role as a champion for both wrestling and LGBTQ+ communities, his recent “home run” with the Giants stands as a testament to perseverance, authenticity, and the enduring importance of representation.

For LGBTQ+ sports fans, Bowens’ journey is proof that dreams can be realized—and that every field, ring, and arena is richer for the diversity and pride athletes bring.