Baseball Trailblazer Billy Bean Advocate for Inclusion Passes Away at 60

Baseball Trailblazer Billy Bean Advocate for Inclusion Passes Away at 60

Baseball Trailblazer Billy Bean, Advocate for Inclusion, Passes Away at 60

Major League Baseball mourns the loss of Billy Bean, its Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, who passed away at 60 after an 11-month battle with acute myeloid leukemia. Diagnosed last September, Bean’s legacy as a champion of inclusion and diversity within baseball remains impactful.

A Pioneering Career and Life Born in Santa Ana, California, Billy Bean was the only living openly gay Major League player, coming out in 1999. Drafted by Detroit in the fourth round in 1986, Bean played for the Tigers, Dodgers, and Padres from 1987 to 1995, with 519 plate appearances across 272 games. Bean retired at 31, finding it untenable to continue as a closeted player. His public coming out three years later made him the second Major League player to do so, following Glenn Burke.

Media Spotlight and Memoir Bean’s story gained national attention, covered by major media outlets, and in 2003, he published his memoir, “Going the Other Way,” which became a bestseller. Reflecting on his journey in 2018, Bean noted the positive shift in societal attitudes towards self-identification and open-heartedness.

Leadership in MLB In July 2014, Bean joined the Office of the Commissioner as MLB’s first Ambassador for Inclusion, focusing on player education, LGBTQ inclusion, and social justice. Promoted in 2017 to Vice President and Special Assistant to the Commissioner, and later to Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Bean’s contributions expanded to anti-bullying initiatives and mental wellness resources.

Impact and Legacy Commissioner Rob Manfred honored Bean’s profound influence: “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.” Manfred extended condolences to Bean’s husband, Greg Baker, and their family.

Tributes and Reflections Former teammates and friends, including Yankees bench coach Brad Ausmus and A’s manager Mark Kotsay, praised Bean’s leadership and empathy. Ausmus highlighted Bean’s role in advancing inclusion within MLB, a sentiment echoed by Hall of Famer Trevor Hoffman, who described Bean as a “kind soul” and a “thoughtful teammate.”

Bean’s work included serving on the MLB Owners’ DE&I Committee and advocating for bullying prevention and Spirit Day. He was instrumental in MLB’s ‘Ahead in the Count’ education program, enhancing the visibility of mental wellness resources, and delivering keynote speeches across various platforms.

A Personal Battle and Advocacy After his leukemia diagnosis, Bean announced it publicly in December. MLB’s Winter Meetings Charity Auction supported Stand Up to Cancer, reflecting Bean’s ongoing fight against the disease. “You just never know the opportunity that baseball provides,” Bean said, hopeful that their efforts could save lives.

Billy Bean’s enduring legacy as a trailblazer for diversity and inclusion will be remembered by the baseball community and beyond. His work and spirit have left an indelible mark on the sport he loved and on the countless lives he touched.

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