Speaker Profile

Billy Bean serves at MLB as Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.  As a senior advisor to Commissioner Manfred, his role focuses on DE&I, player education, and social justice initiatives.  Among his responsibilities, Bean leads all DE&I initiatives from the league office, as well as working with all 30 MLB Clubs to foster an equitable, inclusive, and supportive workplace and baseball experience for everyone.

On July 14, 2014, Bean was announced as Major League Baseball’s first-ever Ambassador for Inclusion.  He played in the Major Leagues from 1987-1995.  Bean broke into the big leagues with the Detroit Tigers, and tied a major-league record with four hits in his first game.  He went on to play for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres.  Bean was a two-time “All-America” outfielder at Loyola Marymount University before graduating with a degree in Business Administration.  During the 1986 season Bean led the Lions to a midseason #1 national ranking and a berth into the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska.  He was selected valedictorian of his graduating class at Santa Ana High School.

Billy is a member of the MLB Owners’ D & I Committee.  He was instrumental in the development of MLB’s bullying prevention education programming, MLB’s ‘Ahead in the Count’ player education program, and elevating the visibility of MLB’s mental wellness resources.  He is the author of the book, “Going the Other Way,” and one of the most sought after keynote speakers in professional sports.

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