Former MLB outfielder Billy Bean, who also served as senior vice president for diversity, equity, and inclusion and as a special assistant to the commissioner, has passed away at his home following a battle with acute myeloid leukemia, according to a league announcement. The former Tigers, Dodgers, and Padres outfielder, who should not be confused with longtime Athletics GM Billy Bean, was 60 years old.
“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,” Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement.
“Billy was a friend to countless people across our game and made a difference through his unwavering dedication to others. He improved Baseball both on and off the field with his example, empathy, communication skills, and deep relationships within and beyond our sport. 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 their entire family.”
Bean was originally drafted by the Yankees in the 24th round of the 1985 draft but chose to return to Loyola Marymount University for his senior year to participate in the College World Series rather than sign. The following year, he was selected by the Tigers in the fourth round of the draft and made his MLB debut in 1987 at age 23. Bean played with the Tigers until 1989, often moving between the major leagues and minors, and had only 97 plate appearances during his time with the team. His career took a turn when he was traded to the Dodgers in July 1989, where he played 51 games down the stretch, though he batted .197/.250/.254 during that period.
That would mark Bean’s last MLB action for several years. He posted solid numbers in the Dodgers’ minor league system during the 1990 and 1991 seasons before splitting the 1992 season between the Angels’ minor league affiliates and the Osaka Kintetsu Buffaloes in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball. Bean made his return to the majors with the Padres in 1993, having the best season of his big league career with a .260/.284/.395 slash line, five home runs, and two stolen bases in 192 plate appearances. He remained with San Diego until his retirement in 1995.
After ending his playing career, Bean followed in the footsteps of former Dodgers and A’s outfielder Glenn Burke by publicly coming out as gay in 1999, becoming just the second MLB player to do so. In a 1999 interview with Robert Lipsyte of the New York Times, Bean discussed his baseball career, the decision to stay in the closet while playing professionally, and his eventual choice to come out publicly.
After playing 272 games in the majors with three different organizations over six years, Bean returned to baseball in 2014 when he was appointed as the league’s first ambassador for inclusion by then-commissioner Bud Selig. He continued his work in the commissioner’s office under Rob Manfred and was eventually promoted to senior vice president, a position he held until his death. In this role, Bean worked with all 30 teams and played a key role in developing educational programs and expanding mental health resources for players throughout the league.
We at MLBTR extend our heartfelt condolences to Billy Bean’s family, former teammates and colleagues, and all the friends and fans mourning his passing.
