Billy Bean—who became the second former Major League Baseball (MLB) player to come out as gay when he did so in 1999—has died at age 60, nearly a year after he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, ESPN reported.
After coming out, Bean later became the sport’s senior vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion, actively taking part in initiatives like the Spirit Day campaign, an anti-bullying movement.
“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,” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said, according to the league. “Billy was a friend to countless people across our game, and he made a difference through his constant dedication to others. He made Baseball a better institution, both on and off the field, by the power of his example, his empathy, his communication skills, his deep relationships inside and outside our sport, and his commitment to doing the right thing. We are forever grateful for the enduring impact that Billy made 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.”
Reacting to Bean’s passing, the Chicago White Sox issued a statement to Windy City Times: “More than a co-worker at Major League Baseball, Billy was a friend. We are devastated to learn of his passing. We knew Billy well for his empathy, compassion and bravery, but many members of the White Sox family were lucky enough to call him a teammate, mentor and above all, friend. His willingness and courage to share his experience and journey made the world a better place for many others. His legacy lives on with those whose lives he impacted in the game of baseball and beyond. Our hearts go out to his husband, Greg, and their entire family. Billy will be missed by so many.”
And the Chicago Cubs also issued a statement: “The Cubs are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Billy Bean, MLB’s Senior Vice President for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Special Assistant to the Commissioner. Billy was a beloved member of the baseball community who made the sport a better place on and off the field. The Cubs send our condolences to Billy’s entire family.”
Last year, Bean announced he has been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and that he needed a donor for a bone-marrow transplant. It was also reported at the same time that Catalina Villegas—a collegiate tennis player at Louisiana’s Northwestern State University who later became MLB’s director of diversity, equity and inclusion—was recovering from breast-cancer surgery and six aggressive rounds of chemotherapy.
Glenn Burke was the first ex-pro baseball player to come out to the general public, doing so in 1982.