Billy Bean facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Billy Bean |
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Bean on Spirit Day 2016 at Dodger Stadium
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| Outfielder | |||
| Born: May 11, 1964 Santa Ana, California, U.S. |
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| Died: August 6, 2024 (aged 60) | |||
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| Professional debut | |||
| MLB: April 25, 1987, for the Detroit Tigers | |||
| NPB: 1992, for the Kintetsu Buffaloes | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| MLB: July 8, 1995, for the San Diego Padres | |||
| NPB: 1992, for the Kintetsu Buffaloes | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .226 | ||
| Home runs | 5 | ||
| Runs batted in | 53 | ||
| Teams | |||
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William Daro Bean (May 11, 1964 – August 6, 2024) was an American professional baseball player. He played as an outfielder in Major League Baseball (MLB). His teams included the Detroit Tigers (1987–1989), Los Angeles Dodgers (1989), and San Diego Padres (1993–1995). He also played for the Kintetsu Buffaloes in Japan in 1992.
After his playing career, Billy Bean became a leader in baseball. In 2014, he was named MLB's first ambassador for inclusion. He later became a vice president and senior vice president for the league. He worked to make baseball a welcoming place for everyone.
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Early Life and Education
Billy Bean was born in Santa Ana, California. His parents were Bill Bean and Linda Robertson. His mother later married Ed Kovac, a police officer. Billy grew up in a family with five other children. They were a Catholic family.
Bean went to Santa Ana High School. He was a talented baseball player there. His school team even won a state championship. After high school, he earned a scholarship to Loyola Marymount University. He played college baseball for the Loyola Marymount Lions.
Baseball Career Highlights
Starting in the Major Leagues
The New York Yankees first picked Billy Bean in the 1985 MLB Draft. They offered him a good amount of money to sign. But Bean had promised to finish college. So, he returned to Loyola Marymount for his last year. He played in the 1986 College World Series with his college team.
The Detroit Tigers then drafted Bean in 1986. He signed with them for $12,500. Billy Bean made his big league debut on April 25, 1987. He had an amazing first game, getting four hits. This tied a major league record for a debut! Fans at Tiger Stadium cheered his name.
Playing for Different Teams
Bean spent most of 1988 in the minor leagues. He played for the Toledo Mud Hens. He was the best hitter on that team. Another player named Billy Beane was also on the team. In August 1988, Bean returned to the Tigers. He played in 10 games for them. He also played nine games for the Tigers in 1989.
In July 1989, the Tigers traded Bean to the Los Angeles Dodgers. He played 51 games for the Dodgers. Then, he was sent back to the minor leagues.
Playing in Japan and Returning to MLB
Billy Bean played in the minor leagues during 1990 and 1991. In 1992, he played in Japan for the Kintetsu Buffaloes. He played seven games there.
Before the 1993 season, Bean signed with the San Diego Padres. He returned to the major leagues with them. In 1993, he hit .260 in 88 games for the Padres. He played 84 games in 1994. After playing in 1995, Billy Bean decided to retire from baseball.
Life After Baseball
After his baseball career, Billy Bean became involved in television. He was a panelist on the TV show I've Got a Secret in 2006. He also appeared on Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List in 2009.
Bean also worked as a consultant for TV projects. He was an actor in an episode of the sitcom Frasier. He also appeared as himself on the HBO series Arli$$.
In 2003, Billy Bean wrote a book. It was called Going the Other Way: Lessons from a Life in and out of Major League Baseball.
Working for Major League Baseball
Billy Bean took on an important role with Major League Baseball. On July 15, 2014, he became MLB's first "Ambassador for Inclusion." In this job, he helped make baseball a more welcoming place for everyone. He worked with players and staff to promote fairness and understanding.
He later became the league's senior vice president for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. This role showed his dedication to making baseball a sport where everyone feels accepted.
Later Life and Passing
Billy Bean was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in 2023. He passed away on August 6, 2024. He is remembered for his baseball career and his important work promoting inclusion in sports.
See also
In Spanish: Billy Bean para niños
