Billy Bean, current senior vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion for Major League Baseball (MLB), has been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia.
The information about Bean’s cancer was revealed this Monday in Nashville, Tennessee, during the announcement of a charity auction at the teams’ winter meetings in favor of Stand Up To Cancer, a foundation that fights this disease.
Bean, who spoke by telephone, highlighted the reach that can be achieved through baseball in favor of the battle against cancer and said he was moved by the support provided by the MLB to this cause.
“You never know the opportunity that baseball offers. Someone is going to pay attention that they might not otherwise. Let’s hope that what we are doing today has saved a life,” said the former player and current MLB executive.
Acute myeloid leukemia is a type of cancer that begins in the bone marrow and can quickly spread to the blood and sometimes spread to other parts of the body, even affecting the nervous system.
Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo, who was present at the auction announcement, expressed to Bean his desire to take care of him and expressed the great appreciation he has for him.
“I know it’s very difficult for you right now, Billy, and it’s our turn to take care of you. It’s time for you to sit back and let us love you and take care of you,” Lovullo said.
The auction offered by MLB offers special opportunities, including meet and greets with Mike Trout and other stars, tickets to the week of the All-Star Game, being an outfielder for the Washington Nationals, lessons from coaches and players of the Major Leagues, joining the team Rays broadcast for one day and other autograph and stadium experiences.
Through this auction, MLB has raised more than $2 million since 2012.
Bean, who was the second or former player to declare himself openly gay, played in the Major Leagues with the Detroit Tigers and the San Diego Padres, counting among his achievements, being the first baseball player to have four hits in his debut.
2023-12-05 14:22:47
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