Today, Major League Baseball remembers the life of Billy Bean, MLB’s Senior Vice President for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Special Assistant to the Commissioner. Following a heroic, yearlong fight with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Billy passed away at home today. He was 60.

Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred, Jr. said: “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. 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.”

Bean joined the Office of the Commissioner on July 14, 2014, first hired by Commissioner of Baseball Allan H. (Bud) Selig as MLB’s first-ever Ambassador for Inclusion. As a senior advisor to Commissioner Manfred, Bean’s role focused on player education, LGBTQ inclusion, and social justice initiatives. Among his responsibilities, Bean worked with MLB’s 30 Clubs to advance equality for all players, coaches, managers, umpires, employees, and stakeholders throughout baseball to ensure an equitable, inclusive, and supportive workplace for everyone.

Bean played in the Major Leagues from 1987-1995. The California native broke into the big leagues with the Detroit Tigers, with whom he tied a Major League record with four hits in his first game. He went on to play for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres. Bean was a two-time All-American outfielder at Loyola Marymount University before graduating with a degree in Business Administration. During the 1986 season, Bean led the Lions to a midseason #1 national ranking and a berth to the NCAA Men’s College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska. He was selected valedictorian of his graduating class at Santa Ana High School.

Billy served as a member of the MLB Owners' DE&I Committee. He was instrumental in the development of MLB’s bullying prevention education programming and the game’s support of Spirit Day, MLB’s ‘Ahead in the Count’ education program, and elevating the visibility of MLB’s mental wellness resources. He was the author of the book, “Going the Other Way,” and served as a keynote speaker in settings inside and outside of professional sports.