Radio host Chris Russo had a big mix-up on his live show when he mistakenly reported that Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane had passed away. However, it was actually Billy Bean, MLB’s senior vice president for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, who had lost his battle with acute myeloid leukemia at the age of 60.
Russo, who hosts the “Mad Dog Unleashed” show, received the news during his broadcast and immediately assumed it was Billy Beane who had died. He expressed shock and sadness at the news, not realizing his mistake until later in the broadcast when he read MLB’s statement on Bean’s passing.
Despite the mix-up, Russo took the opportunity to talk about Beane’s contributions to the game of baseball, particularly his role in inspiring the movie “Moneyball,” which highlighted his innovative approach to building a winning team through statistical analysis.
While Billy Beane is known for his success as a general manager, Billy Bean made significant contributions to MLB in his role as an openly gay former player. He worked to promote player education, LGBTQ inclusion, and social justice initiatives to advance equality in the game.
Bean played for several teams during his 10-year career, including the Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Diego Padres. Despite his modest career stats, Bean was remembered as a kind and respected individual who made a positive impact on and off the field.
In conclusion, it’s important to remember the legacy of both Billy Beane and Billy Bean in the world of baseball. While their names may sound similar, their contributions to the game were unique and impactful in their own ways. This mix-up serves as a reminder to always double-check the facts before reporting news, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like death.
