Billy Bean: Trailblazing Baseball Executive and LGBTQ+ Icon Dies at 60

Billy Bean, a pioneer in the LGBTQ+ community and former Major League Baseball player, passed away at the age of 60 from leukemia.

During his ten-year career, Bean played in the major leagues for six years, with the Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Diego Padres. But his influence went well beyond the field.

He became the first big league player to openly disclose his homosexuality in 1999 when he came out to the public. The path for further LGBTQ+ inclusiveness in professional sports was cleared by this brave deed.

As MLB’s senior vice president for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Bean persisted in his advocacy, assiduously promoting social justice movements and LGBTQ+ rights. He gained respect and affection both inside and outside of the baseball community for his efforts.

In his condolences, Commissioner Rob Manfred described Bean as “one of the kindest and most respected individuals I have ever known.” Bean, according to him, has improved baseball to “a better institution, both on and off the field.”

Bean left behind a pioneering and advocacy legacy that will never be forgotten. He has had a lasting impact on baseball and the LGBTQ+ community at large with his unrelenting commitment to equality and inclusivity.