Billy Bean, Second MLB Player to Come Out as Gay, Dies at 60
Santa Ana native and onetime Los Angeles Dodger Billy Bean died from leukemia.
Bean played college baseball at Loyola Marymount University for two seasons, and was part of the 1986 team that competed in the College World Series.
Bean played college baseball at Loyola Marymount University for two seasons, and was part of the 1986 team that competed in the College World Series. (Shutterstock)
LOS ANGELES, CA — Santa Ana native and onetime Los Angeles Dodger Billy Bean, credited with being the second Major League Baseball player to come out as gay, died Tuesday from leukemia at the age of 60, MLB announced.
Bean, who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia last September, served as MLB’s senior vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion.
“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.
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“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,” Manfred continued. “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 played college baseball at Loyola Marymount University for two seasons, and was part of the 1986 team that competed in the College World Series. A fourth-round draft choice of the Detroit Tigers in 1986, Bean played one season for the Dodgers in 1989, batting .197 in 76 plate appearances logged over 51 games.
