Dave Pallone

Dave Pallone
Former Major League Umpire

Keynotes

‘WHO’S REALLY ON FIRST’
Dave Pallone’s unique presentation on sexual orientation raises awareness and answers questions not commonly asked in today’s society. His philosophy of respecting yourself and others, provides insight into the complex issues and challenges that come from understanding sexual orientation. He possesses excellent communication skills and a commitment to help people achieve new levels of personal development.

‘THE BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE BUT YOU HAVE TO STAND’
Dave’s insight into professional baseball is classic. As the saying goes, “It’s the best seat in the house, but you have to stand”, and stand he did for close to 20 years. From eight years in the minor leagues, to winter ball in the Dominican Republic, to his tenure umpiring in the National League – this rare insight from an umpire’s view leaves audiences with a new perspective on the game they love. Dave umpired the game with some of the greats – including Johnny Bench, Pete Rose, Nolan Ryan, Steve Carlton, Willie Stargell, Barry Bonds, Mike Schmidt, Lou Brock and others. He has a story about them all! However, his famous altercation with Pete Rose gives you a look into the kind of stories Dave can tell. He’ll give you the inside scoop of what really happened that day, and the days that followed. Take a look!!

Testimonials

An excellent speaker, Dave made a major contribution in advancing the goals of our Diversity Series. It is without reservation that I recommend Dave Pallone as a diversity trainer and keynote speaker.
Thomas Rahilly-Senior Vice President Human Resources
Mastercard International


Dave passionately shares with his audiences, which are all universal messages college students can relate to during such a significant self-developmental stage in their lives. I recommend Dave to any university or athletic department wanting to provide more awareness or an understanding of sexual orientation.

Louise Torgerson, Ed. M. – Life Skills Coordinator
Gonzaga University Athletics

Dave your presentation was an absolute home run…I have received outstanding feedback…We may bug you for a return event! As for me personally, I admire both your speaking ability and your personal courage. I learned from your session, and it was like being at a damned movie; I didn’t want the two hours to end!
K. Dean Moore-Director Human Resources
Eastman Kodak Company

 

I have brought Dave to the College twice, booked him at the University of San Diego (I was at USD for fourteen years) and attended Dave’s educational session at the ACUI Annual Conference in Dallas (he also sponsored the LGBT night out event at the ACUI Annual Conference in New York the following year). Dave not only provides a riveting keynote presentation, but is also available to meet informally with student leaders, athletes, administrators and faculty members on the campuses he visits. Although Dave is celebrating the twentieth anniversary of his autobiography, “Behind the Mask: My Double Life in Baseball” this year, his message is still relevant and inspiring.

Susan Payment-Director of Student Life
College of Charleston

As one of Chubb’s designated champions of diversity issues, I’m always looking for ways to defuse highly-charged, combative debates and transform them into reasoned and productive exchanges among colleagues. By being approachable, engaging, and rising above the rhetoric, you provided an impressive model for achieving that higher plane.
David Fowler-Executive Vice President
Chubb Group Insurance Companies

In the words of our leaders as well as the workers at DuPont, your presentation was “eye-opening, honest, inspirational and thought provoking”…… I have and will continue to highly recommend your presentation to everyone I know.
Tim D. Arnold-Network Liaison
Dupont Corporation

My life has taken quite a turn, since the days of my umpiring major league baseball. Gone are the days of calling balls and strikes, safes and outs, fairs and fouls. Now, my days are full of new experiences! Whether it’s the chance to meet a college student, a CEO of a major corporation, or the baseball fan who just wants to talk baseball, I have come to realize I could not be more at peace with my life.

I have had the pleasure of appearing on stage with tennis great Martina Navratilova; I have owned and hosted my own sports radio show in Boston, Massachusetts; I have given countless interviews for television and print media; I have been featured in ESPN’s documentary ‘Homophobia in Sports’, as well as appearing on ESPN’s Outside the Lines; and I was honored to be selected by GENRE Magazine as one of the 100 men of the 20th century.

However, the best thing that has happened to me since leaving baseball is to share my life with my partner Keith. I have been with Keith for 13 years and Colorado was our home for 9 of those years. In 2006, Keith and I moved to New Mexico. With its beautiful landscapes and history, we enjoyed our new home and made some new friends. However, life does bring changes and as of July, 2007 we moved to Texas. A new job for Keith took us on this new journey. After 2 1/2 years in Dallas, Keith was beckoned back to Colorado, and we have now gone full circle. We are back living in this great state, and are delighted to be ‘home’.

I do have one major task when I am not traveling professionally or for pleasure, and that is to give all my attention to our dogs! Baci and Dexter are our labrador retrievers and they are handfuls to say the least. Baci, our 16 year-old black male is still going strong, and Dexter our 14 year-old yellow male still acts like a puppy. Our daily routine consists of either walks to the park or simply enjoying the hustle and bustle of our neighborhood. Either way, they bring a whole lot of joy to my soul.

Peace!

Booking Info: Gail Hand
(561) 807-7769 East Coast
(503) 284-2342 West Coast
gail@gailhand.com