Billy Bean, MLB’s senior vice president for diversity, equity & inclusion and special assistant to the commissioner, passed away on Tuesday following a yearlong battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Bean was 60 years old.
“Our hearts are broken today as we mourn our dear friend and colleague, Billy Bean, one of the kindest and most respected individuals I have ever known,” commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. “Billy was a friend to countless people across our game, and he made a difference through his constant dedication to others.
“He made Baseball a better institution, both on and off the field, by the power of his example, his empathy, his communication skills, his deep relationships inside and outside our sport, and his commitment to doing the right thing.
“We are forever grateful for the enduring impact that Billy made on the game he loved, and we will never forget him. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to Billy’s husband, Greg Baker, and their entire family.”
Four years after he retired from MLB, Bean became the second player to publicly come out as gay, following Glenn Burke, who became the first during his playing days.
Beane later joined MLB in an executive role on July 14, 2014, first hired by commissioner Bud Selig as MLB’s first-ever ambassador for inclusion.
As a senior advisor to commissioner Manfred, Bean’s role focused on player education, LGBTQ inclusion, and social justice initiatives. Among his responsibilities, Bean worked with MLB’s 30 teams to advance equality for all players, coaches, managers, umpires, employees and stakeholders throughout baseball to ensure an equitable, inclusive, and supportive workplace for everyone.
Bean served as a member of the MLB Owner’s DE&I Committee. He was instrumental in the development of MLB’s bullying prevention education programming and the game’s support of Spirit Day, MLB’s ‘Ahead in the Count’ education program, and elevating the visibility of MLB’s mental wellness resources.
He was the author of the book, “Going the Other Way,” and served as a keynote speaker in settings inside and outside of professional sports.
Billy Bean’s MLB and college career
Bean played in the Major Leagues from 1987-1995, which included a stint with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1989.
The California native broke into the big leagues with the Detroit Tigers, with whom he tied a Major League record with four hits in his first game. He also went on to play the San Diego Padres.
Bean was a two-time All-American outfielder at Loyola Marymount University before graduating with a degree in Business Administration.
During the 1986 season, Bean led the Lions to a midseason No. 1 national ranking and a berth to the NCAA Men’s College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska.
He was selected valedictorian of his graduating class at Santa Ana High School.
Dodgers honor Billy Beane
The Dodgers held a moment of silence before first pitch at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday night.
“We mourn the passing of Billy Bean, a former Dodger and pioneering executive who as MLB’s Senior Vice President for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion truly elevated the culture and spirit of the game he loved,” the team said in a statement.
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