Morning Briefing: MLB Executive Billy Bean Passes Away at 60

Good Morning Mets fans.

Billy Bean, the MLB’s Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, passed away on Tuesday at 60-years-old after an 11-month battle with acute myeloid leukemia.

Bean was a trailblazer for equality within the sport, the lone living openly gay player, and the second ever, coming out in 1999.

Bean was a fourth-round pick in the 1986 draft and made his debut in the 1987 season. He played in 272 games before retiring in 1995.

“Billy was a friend to countless people across our game, and he made a difference through his constant dedication to others. He made Baseball a better institution, both on and off the field, by the power of his example, his empathy, his communication skills, his deep relationships inside and outside our sport, and his commitment to doing the right thing. We are forever grateful for the enduring impact that Billy made on the game he loved, and we will never forget him,”  MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said.

Latest Mets News

The Mets dropped the series opener against the Colorado Rockies.

The second game of the series starts at 8:40 p.m. Paul Blackburn (5-2, 4.11) gets the start for the Mets (59-54) and Ryan Feltner (1-10, 4.97) will be on the mound for the Rockies (42-72)

Starling Marte is set to begin his rehab today.

Reed Garrett struck out three in a scoreless inning for Triple-A Syracuse.

Manager Carlos Mendoza said Christian Scott will begin throwing in the coming days.

Dedniel Núñez started playing catch yesterday and is “feeling better,” according to Mendoza.

Latest MLB News

The Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds will play a game at Bristol Motor Speedway next season.

The Los Angeles Angels placed outfielder Taylor Ward on the paternity list and reinstated infielder Anthony Rendon from the injured list.

Wilmer Flores of the San Francisco Giants is out for the season following a procedure.

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Dom Barone introduces fans to trade deadline acquisition Tyler Zuber.

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Brandon Sproat has pitched his way to Triple-A. Tyler Antonelle touches on this and much more in this week’s Mets Minor Weekly Report.

This Day in Mets History

1963: The Mets second season had few moments to remember, however 61 years ago Jim Hickman became the first Met to hit for the cycle in a 7-3 victory over the Cardinals.

Birthdays: Michael Perez (32), Kirk Nieuwenhuis (37), Tyler Yates (47), Danny Graves (51)

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