Former MLB outfielder Billy Bean has died at the age of 60 after a short battle with cancer. New York Post And ESPN reported.
In addition to his roles with the Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres, Bean was MLB's senior vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion; and was a special assistant to the league's commissioner, Rob Manfred. Miami Herald In 1999, Bean became the second MLB player to come out as gay.
Some outlets have misspelled Bean's name. He is not former MLB star and current Oakland Athletics minority owner Billy Beane, who is portrayed by Brad Pitt in the film. Money ball.
“Today, our hearts are broken as we mourn the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Billy Bean, who was one of the kindest and most respected people I have ever known,” Manfred said in a statement.
“Billy was a friend to countless people in our game and made a difference through his enduring dedication to others,” Manfred continued. “By his example, empathy, communication skills, deep relationships inside and outside our sport, and his determination to do the right thing, he made Baseball a better institution both on and off the field. We are forever grateful for the lasting impact Billy had 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 his entire family.”
Bean was a fourth-round draft pick by the Tigers in 1986. He played with the Dodgers and then the Padres before retiring in 1995 at the age of 31. In 2014, Bean was named MLB's first Inclusion Ambassador. For the past decade, Bean has worked closely with the league on issues of inclusivity, social justice and player education. He announced his cancer diagnosis in December 2023, three months after his diagnosis.