Bryan Ruby made history as the first openly gay professional baseball player, a milestone that was years in the making. In 2018, Ruby reached out to Billy Bean, a former MLB player who came out as gay after his playing career. Bean’s response to Ruby’s letter was a pivotal moment that provided support and encouragement for Ruby as he navigated his own journey towards coming out.
Three years later, while playing for the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes, Ruby made the courageous decision to publicly announce his sexual orientation, becoming the only active professional baseball player at any level to do so. In an interview with USA TODAY Sports, Ruby reflected on the impact of Bean’s support and the significance of his decision to come out.
Bean, a prominent LGBTQ advocate within the baseball community, played a crucial role in paving the way for Ruby’s historic announcement. Bean’s own experience of coming out publicly in 1999 and his subsequent advocacy work for LGBTQ rights served as inspiration for Ruby as he navigated the complexities of being a gay athlete in a traditionally conservative sport.
The support and guidance provided by Bean were instrumental in Ruby’s decision to come out, highlighting the importance of having role models and allies within the sports world. Bean’s legacy as a trailblazer for LGBTQ inclusion in baseball is a testament to the impact that one individual can have in creating positive change within the industry.
Tragically, Bean passed away at the age of 60, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, empathy, and advocacy for LGBTQ rights in sports. His influence on players like Ruby, as well as countless others who may have been struggling with their own identities, is immeasurable.
Bean’s impact on the baseball community goes beyond his on-field accomplishments, as he was a beacon of hope and support for those who needed it most. His dedication to creating a more inclusive and accepting environment within the sport has left a lasting impression on the baseball world and serves as a reminder of the power of empathy and understanding.
In honoring Bean’s memory, it is important to recognize the profound impact he had on individuals like Bryan Ruby, who found the courage to embrace their true selves in a world that is often resistant to change. Bean’s legacy lives on through the lives he touched and the positive change he inspired, leaving a lasting imprint on the sport of baseball and the LGBTQ community as a whole.