is mike piazza still married

and asking the umpire for a new ball multiple times as the two benches cleared and met at the mound. (Original winner Hatch, 43, was charged on Jan. 18 with failing to report his $1 million victory, as well as other income, the U.S. Attorneys Office announced.) Copyright 2023 Distractify. Alicia and her hubby then waited four years to expand their family for the last time. A 12-time All-Star and 10-time Silver Slugger Award winner at catcher, Piazza produced strong offensive numbers at his position; in his career, he recorded 427 home runsa record 396 of which were hit as catcheralong with a .308 batting average and 1,335 runs batted in (RBI). Finding no buyers, and faced with mounting costs, including rent, the club ceased operations in July 2018. Remembering when Hall of Fame catcher Mike Piazza held a press - Reddit [22][23], To ease the stress on his deteriorating knees, Piazza began to split his time between catching and playing first base during the 2004 season, an experiment which was abandoned before the end of the season because of Piazza's defensive deficiencies. . The couple has three children together and their names are Nicoletta, Paulina, and Marco. In the former season, Piazza tied his career highs of 40 home runs and 124 RBIs. A post shared by Alicia Piazza (@aliciapiazza1), The proud parents often post about their children on social media, with Alicia recently sharing an adorable video of Marco telling her about his day at school. Love you Nicoletta. [43] The New York Mets retired his uniform number, 31, in a ceremony on July 30, 2016[44] prior to the Mets' game against the Colorado Rockies at Citi Field. Mike Piazza Bio - net worth - Playerswiki "Olympics and Paralympics Media Guide" Cover. Piazza immediately impressed with his ability to hit for power and average. [15] He only appeared in 21 games that season, hitting .232. Let me catch my breath.. Arguably one of the best-hitting catchers in all of baseball, Piazza is known beyond the baseball world for his iconic home run in the first major league baseball . Mike Piazza is taking his talents to Fox's 'Special Forces: World's Toughest Test,' but before he heads to boot camp, let's learn about his family. Amidst swirling rumors that the gay player is him, the next day New York Met catcher Mike Piazza held a press conference to declare, Im not gay. Both Hewitt and Cartwright, who appears on the Australian soap opera Home and Away, recently ended long-term relationships, reports AP. he actually went so far as to host an impromptu press conference to publically affirm his heterosexuality, commented on how he had friends that were gay, GLAAD's Visibility Project Finds LGBTQ Inclusion in Super Bowl Ads Is Still Minimal, GLAAD Media Guide: State Legislation About LGBTQ People, Inequity in Olympic rules are similar to policies impacting U.S. LGBTQ athletes and youth. He currently serves as the manager of the Italian national baseball team. Their second daughter, Paulina, was born on Aug. 3, 2009. [28] He was an instructor for the Italian Baseball Academy when it won back-to-back European Baseball Championships in 2010 and 2012. "If we are in such a hurry, we miss the little miracles along the way," he says. Piazza with the Marlins on May 18, 1998, three days after being traded by the Dodgers and four days before being traded to the Mets, Long Shot by Mike Piazza with Lonnie Wheeler, New York: Simon & Schuster, p. 40, National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame, List of Major League Baseball home run records, List of Major League Baseball career hits leaders, List of Major League Baseball career home run leaders, List of Major League Baseball career intentional bases on balls leaders, List of Major League Baseball career OPS leaders, List of Major League Baseball career putouts as a catcher leaders, List of Major League Baseball career runs batted in leaders, List of Major League Baseball career runs scored leaders, List of Major League Baseball career slugging percentage leaders, List of Major League Baseball individual streaks, List of members of the Baseball Hall of Fame, Los Angeles Dodgers award winners and league leaders, New York Mets award winners and league leaders, "Hall of Famer Mike Piazza agrees to manage Italian baseball team", "Griffey sets Hall vote mark; Piazza gets call", "Piazza's proud pop watches son's call to Hall", "Mike Piazza's 'Loudmouth' Dad Nervously Watches Mets Advance", "HOMETOWN HERO METS'S PIZZA HAS BECOME FAVORITE SON OF PHOENIXVILLE, PA", "Babe Ruth, Satchel Paige and A-Rod part of Miami's long and storied baseball history", "Piazza Calls It Quits After 16 Years and 427 Homers", 62nd Round of the 1988 MLB June Amateur Draft, Dodgers vs. Cubs September 1, 1992 Boxscore, Dodgers vs. Giants September 12, 1992, box score, "Dodgers lose home run derby to Cubs on dark night at Wrigley", "Dodgers: Mike Piazza calls out Vin Scully in book", "Piazza's post-9/11 shot became iconic Slugger's dramatic game-winning homer added to legacy", "Mets fans spend big to rescue Piazza 9/11 jersey as museum piece", "Frustrated Mike Piazza speaks out on Mets' 9/11 jersey shocker", ESPN Piazza to press charges against fan who threw bottle MLB, "Piazza, one of greatest hitting catchers in MLB history, retires", "Former Mets star Mike Piazza to manage Team Italy in World Baseball Classic", "Piazza says he will manage Italian national baseball team", "Mike Piazza agrees to manage Italian national baseball team", "Cancellation of the 2020 European Baseball Club Competitions", "Mike Piazza Learns How to Be an Owner. [52] He also maintained a penthouse apartment on 18th Street in New York City. [12] His MLB debut came with the Dodgers on September 1, 1992, against the Chicago Cubs. who has since married a woman and had a few kids. Clemens gave up six runs in the first inning. https://t.co/EuW4sEea7i pic.twitter.com/dJow1KhRn5 WWNR Radio (@wwnrradio) November 13, 2019 Former. He made his major league debut in 1992 and the following year was named the National League (NL) Rookie of the Year and was an All-Star for the first of 10 consecutive seasons. CAST: Actor Sam Huntington will play Daily Planet cub reporter Jimmy Olsen in Bryan Singers upcoming Superman, as negotiations continue for Kate Bosworth to play Lois Lane, says the Hollywood Reporter. He finished second in NL MVP voting for the second straight year, behind Larry Walker. Were going to do This Love unless they change it up on us and say, OK, Superfreak. Unlike Piazza, Strahan did not hold a press conference to affirm his sexuality but rather commented on how he had friends that were gay and that he was okay with that. He often cohosts Eddie Trunk's Friday Night Rocks show on WAXQ ("Q-104.3 FM") in New York City and was featured as the primary guest on an episode of That Metal Show. It was just weird. (He threatens them with not being able to fly in business class if they don't behave properly. His father was loving but strict, pushing his son to succeed at baseball with nightly practice sessions a push that may have been extreme but ultimately paid off, Piazza acknowledges. [14] He hit his first home run on September 12, 1992, against Steve Reed of the San Francisco Giants. [3] Piazza owned the Italian soccer team A.C. Reggiana 1919, which played for two seasons (20172018) in Serie C under his leadership before its non-registration due to continued financial troubles. Mets' Mike Piazza Marries Baywatch Star - People Following the 2005 season, Piazza signed a one-year contract with the San Diego Padres on January 29, 2006. A 2002 issue of the New York Post didnt buy it, though. Rebecca Dube is the Head of TODAY Parents, Digital, and a mom of two boys. Who Is Mike Piazza's Wife? Meet the Former MLB Star's Family Clemens caught the barrel and threw it across the first base line towards the Yankees' dugout and just past Piazza who was running down to first. On January 29, 2005, Piazza married Playboy Playmate Alicia Rickter at St. Jude's Catholic Church in Miami, Florida, before 120 guests, including Brande Roderick, Lisa Dergan, Anjelica Bridges, Al Leiter, John Franco, Ivn Rodrguez, Eddie Trunk, and his best friend Eric Karros. Mike Piazza is a former pro baseball player who played in the MLB for 15 years. Son Marco has started playing soccer in Italy, which is serious business. As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. Who is Mike Piazza dating? He is the second-oldest son of an Italian father named Vince (19322021) and a Slovak-Jewish mother named Veronica, with brothers Vince Jr., Dan, Tony, and Tom. Mike Piazza was also inducted. For starters, who is Mike Piazza's wife? [5][6] Vince Piazza earned a fortune of more than $100 million in used cars and real estate, and attempted several times to purchase an MLB franchise. Earlier in the season during interleague play, Yankees pitcher Roger Clemens hit Piazza in the head with a fastball. Like when, after his divorce in 2006, NFL player Michael Strahan was similarly confronted with rumors of him being gay. Rickter was the vice president of A.C. Reggiana 1919, an Italian soccer club that she and her husband had an 85% ownership stake in. I got on the baseball field and I turned into a machine.". People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. A 2002 issue of the New York Post didn't buy it, though. Alicia has since put her career on the back burner, focusing on her and Mike's three children. This biography article about a Playboy Playmate is a stub. to add information, pictures and relationships, join in discussions and get credit for your contributions. All Rights Reserved. Even more telling was during that series, on August 9, he drew a rare curtain call in the opposing park following a home run off Mets pitcher (and former Dodgers and Mets teammate) Pedro Martnez in the fourth inning. In 1999, he signed a recordbreaking 7-year, $91 million contract with With the Shea Stadium crowd giving him a standing ovation, Piazza humbly bowed to the stands and blew kisses to the adoring fans. My boy, he's a love," she wrote alongside the clip. It warms my heart. When it comes to his personal life, Mike has been married to Playboy Playmate Alicia Rickter since January 2005 and the couple have two daughters. The outlet even took to Twitter in 2013 to celebrate the 50-year-olds previous Oct. cover. Hall of Famer Mike Piazza is married to actress Alicia Rickter, who is best known for her role in the popular television series "Baywatch" as well as posing for Playboy. [7] When the Dodgersmanaged by Vince's childhood friend Tommy Lasorda, the godfather of Mike Piazza's youngest brother, Tommy[8]visited Philadelphia, Piazza visited the Dodger clubhouse and served as a bat boy in the dugout. [42] On January 6, 2016, Piazza was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, receiving 83% of the vote.[3]. Hollywood Life, Latest Hollywood Celebrity & Entertainment News. Tik Tok in the bathroom. Alicia Rickter and Mike Piazza have been married for 18 years since 29th Jan 2005. view relationship Relationships Mike Piazza has been in relationships with Darlene Bernaola (2000), Lisa Barbuscia (2000), Angela Nazario (1999 - 2000), Debbe Dunning (1998) and Anita Hart. Mike Piazza - Final Game as a Met TivoPerez 44 subscribers Subscribe 10 Share Save 11K views 15 years ago This is Mike Piazza's last AB with the Mets on October 2, 2005. Despite an excellent performance from Piazza, the Mets missed the 1998 postseason by one game. With the Mets ahead 42 in the eighth, and two runners aboard, Piazza hit one to the wall in center, nearly bashing his third homer of the day and putting the Padres ahead. They have two children. Let's talk a little about Mrs. Piazza What Shows Have Been Renewed or Canceled? Piazza signed as a free agent with the Oakland Athletics on December 8, 2006. Gil, Julia DeMato, Rickey Smith, Amy Adams, Jon Peter Lewis, George Huff, Vanessa Olivarez and Matt Rogers. Of a Soccer Team. [36] Only eight other players have ever had over 400 home runs with over a .300 lifetime average while never striking out more than 100 times in a season (Ted Williams, Stan Musial, Lou Gehrig, Mel Ott, Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Vladimir Guerrero and Chipper Jones). Alicia Rickter - Wikipedia Just want to say I appreciate you and your beautiful heart.. (Jeff Zelevansky) Beloved Mets catcher Mike Piazza comes out swinging in a new memoir confronting rumors about being gay and taking . Meet Alicia Rickter-Piazza; she is the beautiful wife of the famous Baseball hitting catcher of all time, Mike Piazza; her husband played for Mets, Marlins, Dodgers, Pirates, Athletics, and Padres. "There's a lot of good players. Mike Piazza: Meet The Former MLB Player's Wife Alicia Rickter You want 'em to be like, 'I wanna please you and behave. But with the positive environment that is currently being created by professional athletes for the LGBT community, maybe he felt it was necessary to add in his book that his hastily convened 'I'm not gay' press conference was not because he didn't want to be known as gay, but because he didn't want people thinking that he was leading an elaborate, phony lifestyle. Quite simply I enjoy being married to you, you always seem to make things fun, but most importantly, you are always there for me and our kids. He has been married to Alicia Rickter since January 29, 2005. [2] The week of Feb. 14 will see Survivor veterans Richard Hatch, Susan Hawk, Rupert Boneham, Ethan Zohn, Rudy Boesch, Jon "Johnny Fairplay" Dalton, Jenna Morasca, Shii Ann Huang, Tijuana Bradley and Christa Hastie on the show. the New York Mets. [31], In 2016, Piazza purchased a majority ownership stake of the third-division Italian soccer club A.C. Reggiana in Reggio Emilia, with an estimated investment of $3 million. Bardems attorney Martin Singer said Bardem denies any liability for the womans injuries. I dont think it would be a problem at all. After retiring from the game he once dominated in 2007, Mike shifted his focus toward his family; however, he's officially back in the spotlight as he appears in Fox's new reality competition series Special Forces: World's Toughest Test. "Even the youth soccer coaches are very serious. "I remember looking up and praying to God, saying, 'Lord, please give me the strength to get through this, because I dont know if I can,'" Piazza said in an MLB Network Presents documentary about the moment. On February 3, 2007, Piazza's wife gave birth to the couple's first child, daughter Nicoletta. Widely regarded as one of the best offensive catchers in baseball history, Mike Piazza made his MLB debut on Sept. 1, 1992, for the Los Angeles Dodgers. WEEK IN REVIEW: Lindsay Lohan in Car Suit, Celebrities Who've Tested Positive for COVID in 2021, Nala! I don't know if it was the combination of having a certain look and getting to one's thirties unmarried . The Hall of Fame catcher and slugger reflects on his greatest challenges as a dad of three. The news has only bubbled to the surface because Champion was among the 170 guests at the wedding of MSNBC anchor Thomas Roberts, where he was spotted dancing with his fianc. A post shared by Alicia Piazza (@aliciapiazza1), Alicia and Mike have been married for nearly 20 years! The former athlete will appear on Fox's Special Forces on Jan. 4, 2023. SCHEDULED: Neo-soul rock band Maroon 5 will perform the opening musical number at the Feb. 13 Grammy Awards, reports AP. They have two children. "Mike Piazza had let everybody in the world know that New York was still standing, surviving, and that it was OK to celebrate and try to live your life despite the unspeakable tragedy of Sept. 11. Mike also led the Mets to an NL pennant and a World Series appearance against their crosstown rival, the New York Yankees (sadly, the Mets lost). The New York Post, as they so often do, ran with it and wondered aloud if Valentines remarks were preparing everyone for one of his own players to come out. In Italy", "The Passion of Mike Piazza: How the midlife crisis of a baseball Hall of Famer led to the demise of a 100-year old Italian soccer club", "Mike Piazza's tenure as an Italian soccer club owner couldn't have gone much worse", "All Time Home Run Leaders At Each Position", "Known for big bat, Piazza was underrated defensively", "If the Hall Calls, Piazza Wants to Enter as a Met", "Legendary Met Mike Piazza To Address Steroid, PED Rumors In New Book", "Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, John Smoltz and Craig Biggio elected to Hall of Fame", "Mike Piazza to be inducted into Mets Hall of Fame on Fan Appreciation Day", Mike Piazza makes his ballet debut in Miami, a hit man again Newsday May, 4, 2013, Mike Piazza Makes His Debut With Miami City Ballet May 4, 2013, "Alicia Rickter-Piazza Mike Piazza's Wife (Bio, Wiki, Video)", "Mike Piazza on Twitter: 'Marco Vincenzo Piazza, he is already hitting well to right field! On July 21, 2006, Mike Piazza collected his 2,000th career hit in the major leagues. Mike Piazza and his wife, Alicia Rickter, have been married since 2005. Mike Piazza is a 54 year old American Baseballer born on 4th September, 1968 in Norristown, PA. His zodiac sign is Virgo. Pia had at least 1 relationship in the past. Below is everything to know about his spouse,Alicia Rickter, and their family! Mike Piazza was born on 4 September 1968 in Norristown, Pennsylvania, USA. Piazza suffered a concussion and was forced to miss the 2000 MLB All-Star Game. Brunette bombshellAlicia Rickter, 50, is a former model who is married to Mike. [3] They married on January 29, 2005, in Miami and have two daughters and a son. Mike Piazza will compete in Fox's reality competition series 'Special Forces: World's Toughest Test'. I believe every parent feels this joy?. Mike Piazza - Final Game as a Met - YouTube One week later, on May 22, Piazza was traded from the Marlins to the New York Mets for Preston Wilson, Ed Yarnall, and Geoff Goetz. In his first season, Mike took home the NL Rookie of the Year award and was selected to the 1993 MLB All-Star Game (his first of 10 consecutive appearances). [citation needed]. When he or his four brothers stepped out of line, his mom had a hard stare that could stop them in their tracks and if that failed, she wasn't afraid to bust out the wooden spoon, he recalled. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Piazza won the NL Rookie of the Year Award in 1993 after appearing in 149 games, hitting .318, slugging 35 home runs, and driving in 112 RBI. Want to wish my wife Alicia a Happy Anniversary. On Oct. 20, 2022, she shared a clip of Marco. Piazza has always been careful to remind people that the first responders who gave their lives to try to save others in the Sept. 11 attacks are the true heroes. Plus, stick around to learn more about his baseball career. Until Joc Pederson passed him in 2015, Piazza's 18 home runs before the All-Star break was a Dodgers' rookie record. Piazza later caught for Clemens when both were on the NL team in the 2004 All-Star Game. He immediately made a name for himself in New York, energizing the Mets' fanbase and helping the team to two consecutive playoff appearances in 1999 and 2000. (January 29, 2005 - present) (2 children), View agent, publicist, legal and company contact details on IMDbPro. His faith was instilled in him by his Catholic mother[51] and was featured in Champions of Faith, a DVD documentary exploring the intersection of Catholic religious faith and sports. In 2002, rumors swirled about there being a gay New York Met and many people immediately thought of Piazza, who was later reported to be dating TV weatherman Sam Champion (Champion married his. Ahead of the series premiere, let's take the opportunity to learn more about the Hall of Famer. The sports world has come a long way in the decade-plus since the Piazza rumor began spreading, and the way he handled it in his memoir shows the progress that has been made in creating an LGBT inclusive environment among current and former professional athletes. Of note, all five games were decided by two runs or fewer, something that had not occurred in a World Series in almost 70 years. The home run was number 352 as a catcher and his 363rd overall. Champion, who has been a personality and anchor on Good Morning America for years, will marry Robierb, a New York-based Brazilian fine arts photographer, before celebrating in Miami later this year. Mike Piazza Kids: With His Wife Alicia Rickter? Family Piazza has appeared in the movie Two Weeks Notice and has acted in various TV shows and commercials. You'll get it down, and they'll adjust.". [1] Although she was referred to as the 500th Playboy Playmate,[4] it was not realized at the time that two of the earliest Playmates (Marilyn Waltz and Margaret Scott) were the same person, making Rickter No. While his altitude soared, it was his mother who kept him grounded and taught him and his four brothers the importance of everyday humility and gratitude. On August 3, 2009, their second child, daughter Paulina, was born. There was no mention of Piazzas presence. Mike Piazza Net Worth 2023: Wiki, Married, Family, Wedding, Salary ", Well, he acknowledges, that wasn't an exact quote he cleaned it up a bit. Mike Piazza was born on September 4, 1968 in Norristown, Pennsylvania and grew up in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. GLAAD rewrites the script for LGBTQ acceptance. His father was the son of Italian immigrants from Sciacca, Sicily. Before MLB legend Mike Piazza made millions, he earned $850 a month - CNBC I love you MP. In addition to her career as an actress, Alicia was known for modeling forPlayboyin 1995. WED: New York Mets baseball star Mike Piazza, 36, married former Playboy Playmate and Baywatch costar Alicia Rickter, 32, before 120 people at a candlelight church ceremony in Miami on Saturday, the Associated Press reports. Some sports writers even at the time commented on how Piazza should have used the situation to instead comment on how being gay should be a non-issue as a professional baseball player. Piazza is also avidly involved in the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame in Chicago. Mike Piazza is a former pro baseball player who played in the MLB for 15 years. He was the 1,390th player drafted in 1988, a pick made only as a courtesy to Los Angeles Dodgers manager and family friend Tom Lasorda. Rickter is the daughter of Diana Seminara[5] and is married to baseball player Mike Piazza. Mike Piazza with his wife, Alicia, and children Nicoletta, Paulina and Marco. [39], Piazza managed the USA team in the 2011 futures game wearing a Mets cap to the event. Former Yankees Pitcher Re-Lists Florida Estate for $14 Million Initially a first baseman, Piazza converted to catcher in the minor leagues at Lasorda's suggestion to improve his chances of being promoted. ENGAGED: Tennis star Lleyton Hewitt, 23, proposed to his girlfriend, actress Rebecca Cartwright, 21, following his defeat (to Marat Safin) in the Australian Open final Sunday and she accepted. He was the last player selected and signed in his draft class to play in the Major Leagues. [49] The couple's third child and first son, Marco, was born in July 2013.[50]. The week of May 2 will find former American Idol singers feuding, including Diana DeGarmo, Kimberley Locke, A.J. Mike Piazza. Dwayne Wade moved family from Florida because of anti-LGBTQ laws. Contractor claims the house is being built for Sam Champion and Mike Piazza." . Login Famer. Kenzo! Yet many people, particularly gay people, took offense. By the way, Mike Piazza still isn't gay - SBNation.com Piazza's autobiography, entitled Long Shot, was released in February 2013.[45]. The fan, who was identified as Roland Flores from La Puente, California, was arrested by the ballpark security. The formerPlayboycover model also shared her own anniversary tribute that same day. He is also an accomplished drummer and has performed on stage with various bands. These days although he might not be catching baseballs he is still apart of the baseball community, as he is the manager of the Italian national baseball team. With Ed O'Neill, Katey Sagal, Amanda Bearse, Christina Applegate. [9] Vince threw hundreds of pitches nightly to his son,[7] who shared his father's focus on baseball, clearing snow if necessary to practice his hitting and, after reaching the major leagues, practicing on Christmas Eve. "I believe that God put wind underneath my wings and helped me through that night, and obviously I was in the right place at the right time," he said. Twenty-two years ago this week: New York Mets catcher Mike Piazza signed a 7-year/$91 million contract. Who is Mike Piazza dating? Mike Piazza girlfriend, wife - Who's Dated Who? Family (1) Spouse All rights reserved. During the at-bat, Clemens threw a pitch that broke Piazza's bat as he fouled it off, sending the barrel and a sharp edge of the broken bat directly at Clemens on the mound just as he finished his delivery. Mike Piazza Discusses Gay Rumors in New Memoir | GLAAD They welcomed their only son,Marco Piazza, 10, in 2013, about eight years after they got married. Three years later, Gawker published an unconfirmed rumor that Piazza and Champion were not only together but investing in their own love nest. The tip from the Gawker reader read: My family's hairdresser claims that he was walking his dogs along the beach in Jersey and noticed an ENORMOUS house being built. He had at least one RBI in 15 straight games for the Mets in 2000, the second-longest RBI streak ever. Mike Piazza retired from baseball in 2008, and is now tackling his most challenging role, as a father. His mother was raised Jewish, but converted to Catholicism after marrying Piazza's father. With former Mets pitcher Al Leiter and Detroit Tigers catcher Ivan Rodriguez among the baseball stars in attendance, Piazza and Rickter took their vows at St. Judes Catholic Church before boarding a yacht to a lavish reception at nearby Fisher Island. Piazza is regarded as one of the best offensive catchers in baseball history. Speaking of which, he mentions during the interview, it's his mom's birthday. Ex-Major Leaguer Mike Piazza: 'If I was gay, I'd be gay all the way' If I was gay, Id be gay all the way. Jim Buzinski. Pia Rizza has not been previously engaged. Sam Champion officially came out of the closet and announced he is engaged to longtime boyfriend Rubem Robierb. [6] This caused A.C. Reggiana 1919's to be excluded from the professional leagues. The cast already includes Brandon Routh as the Man of Steel and mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent, Kevin Spacey as villain Lex Luthor, Hugh Laurie as newspaper editor Perry White, and James Marsden as the character Richard White. Rickter was the vice president of A.C. Reggiana 1919, an Italian soccer club that she and her husband had an 85% ownership stake in. In 2013, Piazza published his autobiography, writing: I found it hugely insulting that people believed Id go so far out of my way living with Playmates, vacationing with actresses, showing up at nightclubs to act out a lifestyle that would amount to a charade, he writes. Champion is just the latest television personality to reveal his sexual orientation, joining a list that most recently added CNNs Anderson Cooper and Anne Burrell of the Food Network. A little over two years after exchanging vows, Mike and Alicia welcomed their first child, daughter Nicoletta. He was also selected to the 1993 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, his first of 10 consecutive (and 12 total) All-Star appearances.