Billy Bean, renowned as the second Major League Baseball (MLB) player to come out as gay, has passed away at the age of 60. The MLB confirmed his passing in a statement on Wednesday, revealing that the California native succumbed to acute myeloid leukaemia after a year-long battle.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed his profound sorrow, stating, “Billy was one of the kindest and most respected individuals I have ever known. He was a friend to countless people across our game and made a significant impact through his unwavering dedication to others.” Manfred highlighted Bean’s exemplary role in making baseball a more inclusive sport, both on and off the field, through his empathy, communication skills, and deep relationships within and outside the sport.
Billy Bean’s career spanned six seasons between 1987 and 1995, during which he played for the Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Diego Padres. His coming out made him a notable figure, following Glenn Burke as the second former major leaguer to publicly identify as gay. After retiring from professional baseball, Bean dedicated his life to advocating for LGBTQ+ equality within the MLB and beyond.
In 2014, Bean joined the MLB commissioner’s office as an ambassador for inclusion. Over the next decade, he tirelessly worked to advance equality across the sport, influencing policies and attitudes towards LGBTQ+ players and fans. His efforts were widely acknowledged and appreciated within the baseball community. “We are forever grateful for the enduring impact that Billy made on the game he loved,” said Manfred. “We will never forget him.”
Reflecting on societal progress, Bean noted in 2018 that there had been significant advancements in how LGBTQ+ issues were understood and accepted. “Nowadays, there’s so much more information,” he remarked. “Self-identification happens a lot earlier, and open-hearted families and parents teach their children about everything in the world, allowing for earlier evolution.” His insights underscored the transformative changes he witnessed and contributed to in the realm of sports and beyond.
Brad Ausmus, the bench coach of the Yankees and a close friend of Bean, emphasized Bean’s role in helping baseball adapt to societal progress. “As society progressed, Billy brought that as a figurehead to Major League Baseball and institutions that never had a position like that, or a role like that, or even acknowledged it,” Ausmus said, highlighting Bean’s significant influence on the sport’s inclusivity.
Billy Bean’s legacy is one of courage, advocacy, and profound impact. His memoir, “Going the Other Way,” became a national bestseller in 2003, shedding light on his journey and the challenges he faced. As the baseball community and his loved ones mourn his loss, Bean’s contributions to the sport and the LGBTQ+ community will be remembered and cherished.
