Early Life

Billy Bean was born on May 11, 1964, in Santa Ana, California. He grew up in a baseball-loving family and quickly developed a passion for the sport. Bean attended Loyola Marymount University where he played college baseball and was eventually drafted by the New York Mets in the fourth round of the 1986 MLB Draft.

Playing Career

Bean made his MLB debut with the Detroit Tigers in 1987 and went on to play for several teams including the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres. Despite facing struggles with his sexuality as a gay man in professional sports, Bean had a successful career as an outfielder and infielder, playing a total of 272 games over six seasons.

Post-Playing Career

After retiring from professional baseball, Bean came out publicly as gay in 1999. He has since become an advocate for LGBTQ rights in sports and has worked with Major League Baseball to promote inclusion and diversity in the sport. In 2015, Bean was named MLB's first Ambassador for Inclusion.

Net Worth

As of 2024, Billy Bean's net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. This includes earnings from his playing career, endorsements, and various speaking engagements.

Personal Life

Billy Bean currently resides in Miami, Florida with his husband and two children. He continues to be actively involved in promoting LGBTQ rights and inclusion in sports.

Conclusion

Billy Bean's journey from professional athlete to LGBTQ advocate serves as an inspiration to many. His dedication to promoting inclusion and diversity in sports has made a lasting impact on the world of baseball and beyond. As he continues to advocate for change, Billy Bean's legacy will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.