Billy Beane, a former player and an influencer of inclusion dies according to a sad note from the major league baseball that was released on Tuesday. It is almost one year after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia that led to his death at the age of 60.
Baseball Career Statistics & Highlights
Beane acquired his fame as a Californian Outfielder who had six seasons in baseball stretching through 1987 till 1995. The debut he had for Detroit Tigers was unforgettable; it involved hitting four singles during his first game making him tie the record for most hits by a rookie. Among other teams, Beane has played for San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers. This was evident when he led Loyola Marymount to NCAA Men's College World Series in 1986 earning him All-American honors twice as well as an outfielder.
Apart from the .219 batting average which occurred across his whole career, Beane also made impacts beyond statistical measures. Beane's home runs came in various innings throughout his career: 1 in the 2nd inning, 1 in the 8th inning, and 1 in the 9th inning. He did not hit any home runs in the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th innings, or in extra innings.
During his MLB career, Beane hit a total of 3 home runs, all of which were on the road. His home runs included 1 solo shot and 2 with two runners on base, with no grand slams. He homered off 3 different pitchers and most frequently while batting seventh in the lineup, driving in 7 runs with his home runs.
Life Beyond the Ball Field
Beane contributed greatly to baseball off the field too. Besides writing "Going The Other Way" memoirs, he became a famous keynote speaker. In 1999, Beane came out as gay publicly creating headlines since Glenn Burke did so before him in 1982.
The Advocate for Inclusion in Baseball
In 2014 when Commissioner Bud Selig hired him as MLB's first ambassador for inclusion, Beane transitioned from being an athlete to advocate position holder. It took him ten years within which he rose up through ranks and was later promoted to senior vice president where he would partner with MLB clubs about equality among people associated with the game hence fostering a more inclusive and supportive surroundings.
ESPN says that he advocated for "equality for all players, coaches, managers, umpires, employees, and stakeholders throughout baseball to ensure an equitable, inclusive, and supportive workplace for everyone."
Billy Beane, as he was known by the baseball world, was eulogized not just for his on-field work but also his relentless fight for inclusion and equality in sports. Future generations of players as well as fans will be inspired by his legacy.
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