Bean responds to Murphy: 'Going to take time for many to embrace my message'

MLB ambassador of inclusion Billy Bean responded Tuesday to comments made by New York Mets second baseman Daniel Murphy, saying he respects the player's opinion and doesn't expect everyone to be supportive of his message right away.

Bean, the former major leaguer who is openly gay, said he admires the honesty shown by Murphy, who said Monday that he disagrees with a homosexual lifestyle.

"After reading his comments, I appreciate that Daniel spoke his truth," Bean wrote on MLB.com. "I really do. I was visiting his team and a reporter asked his opinion about me. He was brave to share his feelings, and it made me want to work harder and be a better example that someday might allow him to view things from my perspective, if only for just a moment."

Bean, who came out as being gay following his retirement in 1995, accepted an invitation from Mets general manager Sandy Alderson to join the team at spring training and share his story with the organization. His visit took an unexpected turn when Murphy discussed his personal beliefs with Mike Vorkunov of NJ.com.

"I disagree with his lifestyle," Murphy said. "I do disagree with the fact that Billy is a homosexual. That doesn't mean I can't still invest in him and get to know him. I don't think the fact that someone is a homosexual should completely shut the door on investing in them in a relational aspect."

Bean, however, saw Murphy's comments as an opportunity to expand the definition of inclusion, saying the clubhouse is one of the most diverse places in sports and everyone's entitled to their own opinion. He added it would be hypocritical of him to be impatient with others after taking 32 years to fully accept his own sexual orientation.

"When I took this job at MLB, I knew it was going to take time for many to embrace my message of inclusion," Bean said. "Expecting everyone to be supportive right away is simply not realistic. If you asked anyone who has competed in high-level men's professional sports, I believe they would agree with me. This doesn't change the way I go about my business, or my belief in what I am doing, but it's reality."