Major League Baseball (MLB)

Our office, our sport and our world lost a great, kind and empathetic person yesterday. Billy Bean was the kind of leader every industry needs. How fortunate are we that he was one of ours! Billy was generous with his time, helping his colleagues navigate both personal and professional challenges. No topic was too small or too large for Billy to offer his help. He cared about all those around him, and he made everyone feel heard, acknowledged and appreciated. He was so much more than an advocate of the LGBTQ+ community. He worked tirelessly to make EVERYONE feel like they belonged in our sport - whether you were a fan, a player, a coach, or if you worked in some capacity in the game. Regardless of anyone's beliefs or opinions, he always wanted to find the common ground, the foundation, that we all love our game. More than anything, he wanted to make sure that our youngest generation never felt less than or were made to feel like they didn't belong in their communities, their schools, or in our game. Simply put: he helped us be better. The impact and legacy he leaves in baseball and the larger sporting community will live on. As Commissioner Manfred stated, our hearts are broken. He meant so much to so many. We will miss him every day. Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred, Jr. said: “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. 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. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to Billy’s husband, Greg Baker, and their entire family.”

In honor of #NationalDisabilityIndependenceDay, celebrating the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, MLB recently hosted a panel discussion featuring: Victor Calise, PLY, Max Orland, Sydney Arnoff, Paul Laudati, Dewey Gong, Peter Poon, Teena Katz, Steve Kaczmarczyk and Moriah Maney. Victor, former Commissioner at the NYC Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities and current Director of Global Accessibility Center of Excellence at Walmart, champions accessibility and inclusivity. His efforts ensure equal opportunities for people with disabilities both nationally and globally. MLB employees shared their personal experiences, highlighting the significance of fostering a more inclusive world. Together, we continue to celebrate achievements and rights while fostering a culture of understanding and inclusion within our organization. #MLB #Inclusion #Accessibility #ADA

We are now one week removed from the amazing experience in North Texas for our 94th Midsummer Classic at Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers Baseball Club. The entertainment factor at the ballpark alone made this a memorable "can't miss" event. Further, the efforts throughout the surrounding community will continue to have an impact for years to come. Under our #MLBTogether platform, MLB and the Rangers sought to leave a lasting All-Star Legacy for fans of all ages! We cannot thank our host Club and host communities enough for their world-class hospitality and generosity.

June was a busy month for our MLB Employees and our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). Early in the month, we were thrilled to welcome our Summer Interns, who are collaborating with the MLB HYPE ERG for the Summer Intern Mentorship Program. Our interns also made a special visit to the Jackie Robinson Foundation Museum. Our MLB Black ERG celebrated Juneteenth and the MLB coming to Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama for the first time. Our MLB Pride ERG brought us together at Brooklyn Pride Parade, Citi Field and more. Thanks to all involved for planning these events! We appreciate you fostering community and inclusivity within our organization. #MLB #ERGMembers #SummerInternship

As we approach tomorrow's historic #MLBatRickwood game, honoring the life of the Great Willie Mays, tonight on Juneteenth, we are proud to shine a spotlight on Field, Robert and the many extraordinary MLB and MiLB employees that have worked tirelessly preparing for this moment. Tomorrow is a day we pay tribute to the enduring legacy of the Negro Leagues, and the rich baseball history of Rickwood Field in the City of Birmingham. Join us in this tremendous celebration. #MLB #Rickwood #Juneteenth #BlackExcellence 

On Wednesday June 19th we celebrated Juneteenth as a workforce. A day that recognizes Black culture, achievements within the Black community, we were proud to come together to commemorate this important day. #MLB #MLBBlackERG #Juneteenth #BlackExcellence 

We proudly recognize these LGBTQ+ individuals and allies who are part of our baseball family! We see you and appreciate your contribution and commitment to our game. Guillermo Barreto, Will Cope, Matthew Grimes, Ed.M, Chris Hagstrom-Jones, Joy H., Michael Lara (he/him) Josh Solomon, Cecile Torchon.   #OneBaseball #PRIDE #PrideMonth

We are proud to celebrate the extraordinary acknowledgement received by Noah Garden. UJA-Federation of New York honored Noah with the esteemed David J. Stern Leadership Award, which was established in 2021 and is presented to an individual in the sports industry who embodies former NBA Commissioner David Stern’s legacy of social responsibility, generosity, and professional excellence. Noah, who serves as Deputy Commissioner, Business & Media, at Major League Baseball was recognized by UJA for his 23 years of professional excellence at MLB, and his commitment to community while paying tribute to the life-changing work of UJA’s Sports for Youth. #Leadership #MLB #Baseball #OneBaseball

In celebration of Asian-American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, MLB Asian ERG co-hosted an annual AAPI Sports & Culture Symposium with the NFL, NHL, NBA, MLS, and USOPC (with support from TDW+Co) at the NFL Headquarters. The event, themed “Change The Game,” featured two insightful panels of athletes and executives, followed by a social networking session. The event highlights the journey of these AAPI leaders and the impact they have in Sports. The symposium was moderated by Michael Yam and the panelists included: Janaki Cash – VP Ticketing & Revenue, New York Mets, Reagan Rust – Former Premier Hockey Federation Player, Luis Robles – Former Player, Inter Miami CF & NY Red Bulls, Zaire Barnes – Linebacker, NY Jets, Jessica Park – Chief of Brand and Engagement, USOPC, and Tammy Henault – CMO, NBA.    Thank you to all who participated in celebrating AAPI Heritage Month with us! #MLB #MLBAsianERG #DEI #AAPIHeritageMonth #SportsAndCulture

Earlier this month, employees from Major League Baseball joined The Asian American Foundation for their annual TAAF Heritage Month Summit & Celebration and TAAF Awards Dinner in New York City. MLB was thrilled to partner with The Asian American Foundation to bring empowerment and a voice for the AAPI community.   Over two days, 70+ speakers, 30+ AAPI chefs, and 10 small businesses convened and helped create an atmosphere where AAPI professionals and allies from all over the globe shared their lived experiences, advice on professional development, and talked about their challenges and successes through panel discussions.    #MLB #MLBASIANERG #OneBaseball #Baseball #TAAF #AAPIHeritageMonth