Major League Baseball is taking a historic step toward inclusion with the launch of the Billy Bean Fellowship, an 18-month program designed to bring professionals into baseball’s front offices. The Fellowship is seeking applicants “who may not have been identified by Clubs through traditional recruiting avenues”. Named after the late Billy Bean, the Fellowship gives early-career talent hands-on experience in baseball operations — from analytics and player development, to research and software engineering, at either an MLB club or the league office.
Bean, who passed away in 2024, was a trailblazer: a former major leaguer who came out as gay in 1999 and later became MLB’s senior vice president for diversity, equity, and inclusion. His work, from anti-bullying education to supporting Spirit Day, reshaped how baseball talks about belonging. Applications are open through November 3, 2025. MLB says the program continues Bean’s legacy, helping ensure that the people shaping the future of baseball reflect the diversity of its players and fans. For LGBTQ+ professionals, this could be the most meaningful pitch yet.
