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Baseball mourns the death of pioneering former MLB star Billy Bean after he passes away at 60
The baseball world mourned the death of former MLB outfielder Billy Bean at age 60.
On Tuesday, the league announced that Bean passed away after a year-long battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
After his career as a player, Bean worked as MLB's Senior VP for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion while also serving as a Special Assistant to Commissioner Rob Manfred.
'Over the last 10 years, Billy worked passionately and tirelessly with MLB and all 30 Clubs, focusing on player education, LGBTQ inclusion, and social justice initiatives to advance equality in the game for all,' the league wrote in a statement.
'Billy's 10-year playing career included six Major League seasons with the Tigers, Dodgers, and Padres.'
Former MLB player and executive Billy Bean passed away from Leukemia at age 60
Bean worked as the MLB's Senior VP for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion after his playing days
'Commissioner Rob Manfred called Billy 'one of the kindest and most respected individuals I have ever known' and someone who 'made Baseball a better institution, both on and off the field.'
Not to be confused with the former Oakland Athletics executive portrayed by Brad Pitt in the iconic film Moneyball, Bean's diagnosis was first made public in December.
The league launched its winter charity auction, which benefits Stand Up To Cancer, in honor of Bean and Catalina Villegas - MLB's director of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The latter was diagnosed with breast cancer in March of last year.
Arizona manager Torey Lovullo had repeatedly composed himself as he spoke during the conference. Lovullo and Bean had been friends since meeting in 1984.
Bean was diagnosed in September 2023 before the diagnosis was made public in December
'I know that it's very hard for you right now, Billy, and it's our turn to take care of you,' Lovullo said.
'You have been the ultimate giver since the day that I've known you. So even though I know it's going to be very tough for you, it's time for you to sit down and let us love you up and take care of you.'
In a recorded video, Bean revealed that he received his diagnosis in September 1 but kept it from Lovullo during the late stages their season. The Diamondbacks would end up competing in the World Series but lost to the Texas Rangers.
'Like most players, I am very superstitious, so I didn't want to bother Torey with my diagnosis because they were winning,' Bean said. 'There would be time to tell him later.'