Billy Bean, a former Major League Baseball player, is an incredibly inspirational figure in the world of sports. As the only openly gay current or former Major League Baseball player, he serves as a role model for millions around the globe. Billy shares his personal journey of being a closeted gay man in the challenging and anti-gay environment of baseball, which ultimately led him to retire during the peak of his career.
As MLB's first Ambassador for Inclusion and the author of "Going the Other Way: An Intimate Memoir of Life in and Out of Major League Baseball," Billy has made significant strides in promoting diversity in professional sports. He has sparked important conversations and paved the way for a more supportive future for the LGBT community.
Billy's academic and athletic achievements are also noteworthy. He excelled academically, becoming the Valedictorian of his high school class. He went on to earn a degree in Business Administration from Loyola Marymount University, where he was a two-time "All-American" Outfielder. His talent caught the attention of the big leagues, and he was drafted in 1987. Billy played in the Major Leagues for 8 years before retiring in 1995.
During his playing career, Billy had to hide his homosexuality. He even missed the funeral of his then-boyfriend, who died from HIV, out of fear of being discovered. However, in 1999, Billy came out as gay and received widespread media coverage, including features in The New York Times and CNN. His struggles and triumphs are detailed in his critically acclaimed bestselling book, published in 2003. This book has been hailed as revolutionary in breaking down prejudices and creating a better environment for current and future players.
Since the publication of his book, Billy has been actively involved in promoting inclusivity in sports. He serves as a Board Member of the Gay and Lesbian Athletics Foundation and, in 2014, he was appointed as Major League Baseball's first-ever Ambassador for Inclusion. His role has evolved over time, and he currently holds the position of Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for the MLB. In this role, he advises the MLB Commissioner on matters of diversity, player education, and initiatives against social injustice. Billy has played a crucial role in developing bullying prevention education programs, the 'Ahead in the Count' player education program, and improving mental health resources within MLB.
With his compelling story and national recognition, Billy has become one of the most sought-after keynote speakers in professional sports. Don't miss the opportunity to hire Billy Bean, one of America's most popular motivational speakers, to share his passion for equality, diversity, and inclusion at your next event.
