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.
Following his playing career, Bean served as MLB’s senior vice president of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and also served as a special assistant to Commissioner Rob Manfred.
“Over the past 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 seasons in the major leagues with the Tigers, Dodgers and Padres.’
Former MLB player and executive Billy Bean dies of leukemia at age 60
Bean served as MLB’s senior vice president of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion after his playing days.
Commissioner Rob Manfred called Billy “one of the kindest and most respected people 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 played by Brad Pitt in the iconic film Moneyball, Bean’s diagnosis was first made public in December.
The league launched its winter charity auction, benefiting Stand Up To Cancer, in honor of Bean and Catalina Villegas, MLB’s chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer.
The latter was diagnosed with breast cancer in March last year.
Arizona manager Torey Lovullo had repeatedly calmed down while speaking during the conference. Lovullo and Bean had been friends since they met in 1984.
Bean was diagnosed with the disease in September 2023 before the diagnosis was made public in December.
“I know it’s really hard for you right now, Billy, and it’s our turn to take care of you,” Lovullo said.
“You’ve been the biggest donor since the day I met you. So, even though I know it’s going to be very difficult for you, it’s time for you to sit back and let us love and care for you.”
In a recorded video, Bean revealed that he received his diagnosis on Sept. 1, but kept it from Lovullo during the later stages of the season. The Diamondbacks ended up competing in the World Series, but lost to the Texas Rangers.
“Like most players, I’m 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.”