Billy Bean, a former MLB outfielder and the league’s senior vice president for diversity, equity & Inclusion and special assistant to the commissioner, died after an 11-month battle with acute myeloid leukemia at his home on Tuesday.
He was 60.
The baseball world, including commissioner Rob Manfred, mourned Bean, who became the second player to ever come out as gay during a 1999 interview with the Miami Herald.
“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,” 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.”
Bean was a fourth-round draft pick by the Tigers in 1986 and also spent time during his professional career with the Dodgers and Padres from 1987 too 1995, retiring from the game at 31.
Bean had revealed his cancer diagnosis — which he had known about since September 2023 — in December.
MLB’s annual Winter Meetings Charity Auction was in support of Stand Up to Cancer.
In 2014, Bean was appointed as MLB’s first Ambassador for inclusion by then-commissioner Bud Selig.
As senior advisor to Manfred, Bean focused on LGBTQ inclusion, social justice initiatives and player education.
In 2017, Bean was promoted to vice president and special assistant to the commissioner, and in 2022, he was moved up again to the role he most recently held with MLB.
“Billy Bean left an indelible mark with his kindness, sincerity and tireless efforts to advance the causes of diversity and inclusion in baseball,” the MLB Players Association wrote on X.
“The Players Association extends its heartfelt sympathies to his family and friends throughout the game.”