Billy Bean, MLB's second openly gay player, passes away at age 60

Billy Bean has passed away at 60. In 1999, the former baseball player, who played for teams such as the Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Diego Padres, was the second MLB player to publicly come out as gay.

Bean went on to become the Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the league.

Major League Baseball confirmed Bean's death, stating on X (formerly Twitter) that the former player "fought a heroic year-long battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia."

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend and colleague Billy Bean, MLB’s Senior VP for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion and Special Assistant to the Commissioner," the MLB shared.

The league added that for the past decade, Billy dedicated himself passionately and tirelessly to MLB and all 30 Clubs, concentrating on player education, LGBTQ inclusion, and social justice efforts to promote equality in the sport. 

They also shared a quote from Commissioner Rob Manfred, who described Bean as “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.”