Former outfielder Billy Bean died of cancer. He was the only living openly gay player, and led MLB in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

“Our hearts are broken today as we mourn our dear friend and colleague, Billy Bean, one of the kindest and most respected individuals I have ever known,” Commissioner Rob Manfred said. “Billy was a friend to countless people across our game, and he made a difference through his constant dedication to others. He made Baseball a better institution, both on and off the field, by the power of his example, his empathy, his communication skills, his deep relationships inside and outside our sport, and his commitment to doing the right thing. We are forever grateful for the enduring impact that Billy made on the game he loved, and we will never forget him. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to Billy’s husband, Greg Baker, and their entire family.”

A native of Santa Ana, California, Bean was the only living openly gay Major League player (current or former), having come out in 1999. Detroit’s fourth-round Draft pick in 1986, Bean played for the Tigers, Dodgers and Padres from 1987-1995, logging a total of 519 plate appearances in 272 career games.

MLB.com

My thoughts go out to his family and friends.

Bean hit poorly in his career, with a .226/.266/.308 career slash line. He never produced a season with a positive rWAR. Usually, there is some strength in a player’s career, but most of Bean’s defensive seasons were poor, and he was 3 for 11 for eleven stealing bases.

In the minors he did a good job of getting on base, with a .365 OBP, but that unfortunately never translated to the majors.

He is also famous for being confused with Billy Beane.

Update: See the comments. A reader points out that T.J. House is a living, gay, ballplayer.