IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (AP) — It had been a long day and night for David Denson, in so many ways.

His team had been swept in a doubleheader in the low-level Pioneer League, he didn’t have much luck hitting and he’d made a throwing error, too.

But it wasn’t a total loss.

As the 20-year-old Denson headed to the Helena Brewers’ clubhouse at Melaleuca Field late Saturday, a middle-aged fan of the opposing Idaho Falls Chukars approached and extended his hand.

“I’m proud of you,” the man said.

“Thank you,” Denson said.

Hours earlier, the Milwaukee Brewers minor leaguer had become the first openly gay active player on a team affiliated with Major League Baseball.

The news broke in the middle of the second game, after he reached out to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Milwaukee manager Craig Counsell told his team about Denson’s story after its 4-2 win Saturday night over Philadelphia at Miller Park.

In June, pitcher Sean Conroy of the Sonoma Stompers of the independent Pacific Association revealed he is gay. 

best of luck trying to become a major league baseball player.”

“It’s not easy becoming a major league baseball player,” he said. “It certainly hasn’t been easy dealing with everything he’s had to deal with up to this point. Hopefully, this kind of gets something for himself out of the way that can allow all his talents to shine through.”

Denson came out with the help of Billy Bean, MLB’s first Ambassador for Inclusion. Bean disclosed he was gay after his playing career in the majors.

“Talking with my teammates, they gave me the confidence I needed, coming out to them,” Denson told the Journal Sentinel. “They said, “You’re still our teammate. You’re still our brother. We kind of had an idea, but your sexuality has nothing to do with your ability. You’re still a ballplayer at the end of the day. We don’t treat you any different. We’ve got your back.’

“That was a giant relief for me,” he added. “I never wanted to feel like I was forcing it on them. It just happened. The outcome was amazing. It was nice to know my teammates see me for who I am, not my sexuality.”

Braun said he would root for Denson and welcome him as a teammate.

“Hopefully, he’s strong enough to deal with everything that comes with it,” he said. “Obviously, he’ll get plenty of support, but I’m sure there will be plenty of challenging situations for him as well.”

“In sports specifically, I do think we’re making progress. We’re certainly headed in the right direction. So, hopefully, that continues. Any time something like this occurs, I think it’s a step in the right direction,” he said.