Benny Gallo reflects on his decision to refuse the Covid vaccine and its impact on his baseball career and life.
Encinitas: So, Benny Gallo, a former scout for the Nationals, found himself in a tough spot after refusing the Covid vaccine. He got fired, and now he’s out of baseball. It’s been a wild ride for him.
When I chatted with him, I could tell baseball is his passion. It’s not just a job; it’s part of who he is. He misses the thrill of the game and the camaraderie with fellow scouts.
Gallo’s life changed three years ago when the Nationals let him go. They had a vaccine mandate, and he stood his ground. He even took them to court, citing his religious beliefs. But in the end, they settled, and he didn’t get his job back.
Now, he’s trying to figure out what’s next. He’s been selling cars and driving for Lyft, but it’s not the same. He still loves scouting and wishes he could get back into it, but it’s tough out there.
He drove to a high school game recently, just to soak in the atmosphere. He spotted a talented player and couldn’t help but feel that spark again. But he wonders if his vaccine stance is holding him back from getting hired.
Gallo’s 66 now, and the job market for scouts isn’t great. Teams are leaning more on data and video analysis instead of traditional scouting. It’s a different world than when he started.
He reminisced about his early days in baseball, laughing about being drafted way down the list compared to stars like Darryl Strawberry. It’s been a long journey, and he’s done a lot, but he still feels the void of not being in the game.
He’s even considered bartending to make ends meet. It’s been a struggle, but he’s got his Social Security and baseball pension to help. Still, he can’t shake the feeling that he belongs on the field.
When I asked him if he’d make the same choice again, he didn’t hesitate. “I would do it over again,” he said. That says a lot about his conviction.
Gallo’s story is a reminder of how personal choices can lead to unexpected paths. He’s still figuring things out, but his love for baseball remains strong.