NEW YORK (AP) — Billy Bean, who became the second former Major League Baseball player to come out as gay in 1999 before becoming the sport’s senior vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion, has died. He was 60.

The Desert Rose on the red ochre panel has seven petals with a seven-pointed star in the centre, symbolising the six Australian states and the NT.

Bean wrote a book titled “Going the Other Way” and was also a keynote speaker at many events. He publicly came out as gay in 1999, the second former major leaguer to do so after Glenn Burke.

It includes the three official NT colours - black, white and red ochre (PMS 159) - and a stylised version of the Territory’s floral emblem, the Sturt’s Desert Rose.

MLB released a statement confirming his death. Bean died at home on Tuesday after a yearlong fight with acute myeloid leukemia.

Bean worked with MLB clubs to “advance equality for all players, coaches, managers, umpires, employees, and stakeholders throughout baseball to ensure an equitable, inclusive, and supportive workplace for everyone.”

Bean joined the commissioner's office in 2014, when he was hired by former Commissioner Bud Selig to be MLB's first Ambassador for Inclusion. He spent more than 10 years working for MLB, eventually being promoted to senior vice president.

Introduction This section has information about long-standing rules and traditions you should follow when flying or using an image of the Northern Territory (NT) flag.You will find information on:how to fly the NT flagsizes and colours to usehow to download flag images.The NT flag was flown for the first time at a ceremony in Darwin on 1 July 1978 marking the grant of self-government.It includes the three official NT colours - black, white and red ochre (PMS 159) - and a stylised version of the Territory’s floral emblem, the Sturt’s Desert Rose.The Desert Rose on the red ochre panel has seven petals with a seven-pointed star in the centre, symbolising the six Australian states and the NT.The five white stars sitting on the black panel on the left of the flag represent the Southern Cross.The flag was designed by Australian artist Robert Ingpen AM, whose work is well known throughout Australia. Print all pages in this section Give feedback about this page. Share this page: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy link URL copied!

“Our hearts are broken today as we mourn our dear friend and colleague, Billy Bean, one of the kindest and most respected individuals I have ever known," MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. “Billy was a friend to countless people across our game, and he made a difference through his constant dedication to others."

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The California native played in six big league seasons from 1987 to 1995, making his debut with the Detroit Tigers in a four-hit performance that tied a record for a player in his first game. He also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres. He was a two-time All-American outfielder at Loyola Marymount, leading the team to the NCAA Men's College World Series in 1986.

The Northern Territory Government acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Northern Territory and recognises their continuing cultural and spiritual connections to the lands, waters and communities. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their cultures, their Elders past and present, and to future generations.

Bill Bean, MLB's vice president of Social Responsibility and Inclusion, throws out the ceremonial first pitch before a baseball game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the San Francisco Giants in 2016 in St. Petersburg, Fla. Chris O'Meara/AP hide caption

This section has information about long-standing rules and traditions you should follow when flying or using an image of the Northern Territory (NT) flag.