Billy Bean, Pioneering MLB Executive and Former Player, Passes Away

Major League Baseball is in mourning as it reflects on the life of Billy Bean, a well-respected figure in the league. Bean, who served as the Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, passed away at his home on Tuesday after a tough 11-month battle with acute myeloid leukemia. He was 60 years old.

Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed the deep loss felt across the league by saying, ‘Our hearts are broken today as we mourn our dear friend and colleague, Billy Bean.’ He further praised Bean as one of the kindest individuals and highlighted his lasting impact on baseball, stating that Bean made the game better both on and off the field.

Hailing from Santa Ana, California, Bean made history as the only living openly gay Major League player when he came out in 1999. He was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 1986 and played for the Tigers, Dodgers, and Padres during his career from 1987 to 1995. Bean had 519 plate appearances in 272 games, but his journey wasn’t easy; he decided to retire at 31 because living in the closet was too difficult.

Bean’s decision to come out made headlines, garnering attention from major media outlets like the New York Times and CNN. In 2003, he published his memoir titled “Going the Other Way,” which became a bestseller and contributed to his role as a voice for inclusion in sports.

In 2014, he joined the Office of the Commissioner, becoming MLB’s first Ambassador for Inclusion, later taking on additional roles that involved LGBTQ inclusion and social justice initiatives. Over the years, he played a vital part in shaping the league’s approach toward equality and respect in sports.

Even after his cancer diagnosis last year, Bean remained optimistic and dedicated to his mission. He publicly announced his condition in December and worked to raise awareness through various initiatives, including a charity auction held during MLB’s Winter Meetings to support cancer research.