Baseball has just lost its biggest force of inclusion. For years, Billy Bean stood firm in his mission to promote inclusion and rights for every player in MLB. First as a player and then as an ambassador, Bean’s voice was always heard in support of the LGBTQ+ community and to promote diversity in the sport. But in a tragic development that voice has now silenced. Bean has passed away at the age of 60. 

It was an 11-month battle with acute myeloid leukemia that ultimately took his life. Bean was MLB’s Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. However, before this, he played in the Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Diego Padres. Bean also played in Japan for a season in the Kintetsu Buffaloes. However, his biggest contribution came after his retirement when he became a big voice for diversity in the league.

“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,” said Commissioner Rob Manfred about Bean, continuing, “Billy was a friend to countless people across our game, and he made a difference through his constant dedication others. He made Baseball a better institution.” Bean was only the second player to come out of the closet in public – and he did so in 1999.

However, that major step came after years of fear. Bean had to retire from MLB because it was becoming difficult for him to remain closeted while being a player. In his words, neither he nor the league was ready for an openly gay player. However, after he came out, Bean became a national sensation. His 2003 memoir, “Going the Other Way,” became a national bestseller. As a result, Billy Bean became the biggest face of diversity and inclusion in baseball.

Billy Bean’s impact spread across the sport 

“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,” said Brad Ausmus, the New York Yankees bench coach. The post that Bean held was specifically made for him, it was his life’s mission to save athletes from the mental and emotional traumas that he experienced during his closeted days.

“He’s going to be a big loss for all of baseball and society. He’s going to be surely missed,” said Trevor Hoffman. The Hall-of-Famer was one of the first ones to reach out to Billy Bean when he came out in 1999. Their friendship had grown over the years and so did the mutual respect. Bean’s courage and immense impact in making the league more accepting of different sexual orientations played a huge part. So did the fact that Bean was one of the biggest proponents of anti-bullying during his time.

Certainly, the baseball world has lost a huge star today. As the tributes show, Billy Bean’s impact has deeply moved those who knew him. And he changed the sport for the better. Rest in peace Billy, there won’t be another one like you.