Former Loyola Marymount Outfielder Bean Is Getting a Chance With Padres

The South Bay influence on the San Diego Padres doubled June 11 when the team promoted former Loyola Marymount All-American outfielder Billy Bean.

Bean, 28, a member of Loyola Marymount’s 1986 College World Series team, previously played in the Detroit Tiger, Dodger and Angel organizations.

He signed a minor-league contract with the Padres last winter. Bean played first base and the outfield at triple-A Las Vegas and was batting .360 when he was called up. Through Thursday, Bean was batting .211 with two runs batted in.

Of his 71 at-bat trial with the Dodgers in 1990 (he batted .197), Bean said: “(The Dodgers) have a tendency, in my opinion, to play marquee-name players, and I never really got the opportunity. And in the role I was given I did not produce. I think the last couple years, knowing that I have to earn everything I’ve got, it’s given me a lot of inner confidence, and that’s what you need out there.”

This is Bean’s first appearance in the majors since 1990.

“I’m pretty proud knowing I’ve earned my spot here,” Bean said. “I wasn’t handed anything. I went out and produced.”