Reports: Billy Beane Could Be Leaving A’s Franchise
Oct 13, 2020, 10:24 AM | Updated: 10:24 am
(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Beane is eyeing a new role within Fenway Sports Group, which could signal the long-time executive’s departure from Oakland
For over 30 years, Billy Beane has worked for the Oakland Athletics.
Starting as a scout in 1990 before being named general manager in 1997, Beane helped change the game of baseball through analytical studies of how to build a team and win ballgames.
It looks as if the Moneyball-era could be coming to an end, as Beane is in the process of merging his co-chaired company RedBall Acquisition Corp. with Fenway Sports Group.
Beane, who is currently the head of the A’s front office (while also owning a minority stake in the franchise), is eying a new role that would result in his exit from the organization to pursue other sports and business ventures with billionaire Boston Red Sox owner John Henry.
If Henry’s Fenway Sports Group completes its merger with RedBall Acquisition Corp. , a special-purpose acquisition company that Beane co-chairs, Beane is set to step aside from working in a baseball front office, people familiar with the matter said. He won’t take a role running the Red Sox, these people said.
Instead, Beane would turn his attention to other sports business ventures, particularly European soccer, an area he has demonstrated a passion for in recent years.
The Wall Street Journal
Henry has wanted Beane on his staff for a long time, offering the A’s GM the largest contract for an executive in sports history in 2002.
18 years later, it looks as if Henry will get his man, with Beane reportedly closing in on a new opportunity in the sports world. If their long-time executive departs, the A’s will need to conduct an extensive search for a new front office leader for the first time in over 20 years.
Oakland has compiled a 1,926-1,696 record since Beane took over as general manager in 1998,
