Billy Bean, MLB’s senior vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion and special assistant to the commissioner died Wednesday after a year-long battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Bean was 60.

A six-year MLB veteran before joining the league office, Bean played in 272 career games split between the San Diego Padres, Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers.

Bean was “one of the kindest and most respected individuals I have ever known,” commissioner Rob Manfred said, and someone who “made baseball a better institution, both on and off the field.”

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Former Major League Baseball player and equity advocate Billy Bean has passed away at the age of 60. Bean, who played for the Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Diego Padres during his career, was known for his advocacy work both during and after his time in the league.

Bean came out as gay in 1999, making him one of the first former MLB players to do so. He used his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in sports and beyond, becoming a prominent voice for inclusion and acceptance in the sports world.

After retiring from baseball, Bean continued his advocacy work, serving as MLB’s Ambassador for Inclusion. In this role, he worked to promote diversity and inclusion within the league, as well as in youth baseball programs across the country.

Bean’s impact on the sports world was significant, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of athletes and advocates. He will be remembered not only for his accomplishments on the field, but also for his tireless efforts to make the sports world a more inclusive and accepting place for all. Rest in peace, Billy Bean.