Billy Bean came out in 1999 , four years after his career ended . He will lead MLB 's global efforts against homophobia , prejudice , sexism . MLB also posthumously honored its first gay player , Kevin Burke . Lutha Burke attended Tuesday 's tribute to her brother . Burke came out to teammates during his career , did so publicly later .
Billy Bean came out in 1999 , four years after his career ended . He will lead MLB 's global efforts against homophobia , prejudice , sexism . MLB also posthumously honored its first gay player , Kevin Burke . Burke came out to teammates during his career , did so publicly later .