In this very special episode of The Daily Helping, we sit down with Billy Bean, the former major league baseball outfielder who played six exciting seasons with the Detroit Tigers, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the San Diego Padres. Now serving as Vice President and Special Assistant to the Commissioner of Major League Baseball, Billy's roles extend beyond the field as an advisor on LGBTQ and mental health and wellness issues. His memoir, "Going the Other Way," encapsulates his journey as a gay man in professional baseball. Billy's story begins in Southern California, where he was raised in a strict Catholic household and discovered his talent for sports at a young age. His rise to major league baseball was meteoric, but it was not without personal struggles. Coming to terms with his sexual orientation and the fear of public exposure weighed heavily on Billy, leading to challenges in his personal life and on the field. The loss of his partner, Sam, to HIV, and the fear of facing rejection from his father further affected his performance. Starting a new chapter, Billy moved to Miami after the '95 season, where he found companionship in his Jack Russell Terrier, Paco. The ensuing years were a period of personal discovery and growth, as Billy learned to embrace diversity and support his community. Coming out as gay brought its own set of challenges, but with the acceptance and love of his family, he found peace. Billy also shares his journey back to baseball, but in a new and pivotal role overseeing all diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) efforts for the sport. His perspective on self-confidence, self-esteem, and trust, combined with his genuine love and inclusivity, has allowed him to make a significant impact on the game. Billy Bean’s story is not only a tale of a remarkable career but also a deep exploration of personal transformation, acceptance, and the significance of his journey in his current role in baseball.   The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important Takeaway “We’re living in a time of it’s very, very difficult to feel self-confident and have self-esteem. And, you know, if you are a person that has purpose, loves what they do, is kind to others, you’re going to find your voice and you’re gonna be happy. It just takes a minute.”   --   Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Google Podcasts to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.   Resources: Learn more at BillyBean.com Read: “Going the Other Way” Follow Billy on Twitter: @billybeanball   Produced by NOVA Media  

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