Remembering Lions Baseball Legend Billy Bean

Legendary LMU baseball player and Hall of Famer Billy Bean passed away at the age of 60, leaving behind a remarkable legacy on and off the field.

Loyola Marymount University (LMU) is mourning the loss of former baseball player and Hall of Famer Billy Bean, who passed away at the age of 60. Bean, a beloved figure in the LMU community, left an indelible mark on the university's baseball program and the sport itself.

Remembering Lions Baseball Legend Billy Bean

Bean, born in Santa Monica, California, joined the LMU baseball team in 1978. As an outfielder, he quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. In his sophomore season, he led the Lions to the NCAA College World Series, earning All-American honors.

Throughout his college career, Bean consistently performed at an exceptional level. He was a three-time All-West Coast Conference selection and holds the school record for career batting average (.367). After graduating in 1981, he was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds, where he spent the majority of his professional career.

Bean made his Major League debut in 1983 and played 10 seasons in the big leagues. He batted .279 with 40 home runs and 245 runs batted in during his career, establishing himself as a consistent and reliable outfielder.

Beyond his on-field accomplishments, Bean was also known for his character and leadership abilities. He was a respected figure in the clubhouse and served as a mentor to younger players. After retiring from professional baseball, Bean returned to LMU as an assistant coach, helping guide the Lions to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances.

In 2012, Bean's legacy was cemented when he was inducted into the LMU Athletics Hall of Fame. The university honored his contributions to the baseball program by establishing the Billy Bean Endowed Scholarship, which supports student-athletes pursuing a degree in the College of Business Administration.

Bean's passing has deeply saddened the LMU community. President Timothy Law Snyder, S.J., expressed his condolences to Bean's family and friends, describing him as "a true Lion."

"Billy Bean was a legend on the field and an inspiration off it," said Snyder. "His exceptional athleticism and unwavering determination were matched by his integrity and kindness. We are forever grateful for his contributions to our university and the sport of baseball."

The LMU baseball team paid tribute to Bean by wearing patches with his initials during their game on Friday, May 13th. The university also held a memorial service to celebrate his life and legacy on May 20th, attended by former teammates, coaches, and friends.

Billy Bean will be remembered not only as a talented baseball player but also as an outstanding alumnus who represented LMU with pride and distinction. His contributions to the university and the sport of baseball will continue to inspire generations to come.