Baseball player Billy Bean

Billy Bean, the second Major League Baseball player to come out as gay, has died at the age of 60 after a year-long struggle with acute myeloid leukemia. Bean, who played for teams including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Detroit Tigers, and San Diego Padres, later became MLB's senior vice president for diversity, equity, and inclusion, where he promoted initiatives for LGBTQ inclusion and social justice. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred praised Bean for his empathy and dedication, stating that he made baseball a better institution both on and off the field. Bean's decision to retire in 1995 was influenced by the challenges of being a closeted player in the sport. He publicly came out in 1999, following Glenn Burke, the first ex-pro baseball player to do so. His legacy includes a commitment to fostering inclusivity within the game, impacting countless lives during his tenure with MLB.