MLB names Billy Bean ambassador for inclusion

Pictured as a member of the Padres in 1994, Bill Bean will be MLB's first ambassador for inclusion.

B Bennet/Getty Images

Former Major League Baseball outfielder Bill Bean was announced as MLB's first inclusion ambassador at the All-Star FanFest in Minnesota.

Bean openly discussed his homosexuality in 1999, and he is now responsible for providing guidance and training throughout the Major League Baseball clubs to "support those in the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community." Bean will work to ensure equal opportunity in accordance with the joint MLB-MLBPA Workplace Code of Conduct.

Bean, via MLB.com:

"MLB continues to lead by example with its social conscience and vision. It is our mission to create an equitable working environment, free of discrimination and prejudice for every player, coach, umpire and member of the MLB family."

Major League Baseball recently developed a partnership with Athlete Ally, a non-profit organization that "works to educate and activate athletic communities to eliminate homophobia and transphobia in sports and to champion LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) equality." 

Last year, MLB put a policy into effect that prohibited players from discriminating against others based on their sexual orientation.

- Sarah Barshop