Baseball is not just a profession for Benny Gallo; it's a part of his very being. The allure of a freshly mowed field, the pride in spotting a budding talent, and the camaraderie among colleagues who sacrifice their nights and weekends for the game - these are the elements that define his love for baseball. As he said, "The energy of baseball, and the people that are in baseball, that’s really contagious. You are in your element."

Unraveling the Benny Gallo Story in Baseball

Baseball's Impact on Benny Gallo

Baseball has been a significant part of Benny Gallo's life for decades. He played, coached, and scouted, immersing himself in the world of the sport. The sight of a well-groomed baseball field would fill him with a sense of wonder, and identifying a young player with potential gave him a great deal of pride. His colleagues, who also sacrificed their free time for the love of the game, shared a special camaraderie with him. It was this deep connection to baseball that made his life meaningful.However, three years ago, everything changed. The Washington Nationals fired him as one of their scouts because he refused to get the COVID-19 vaccine. This decision led him to face a legal battle and ultimately a settlement. Despite his efforts to fight for his beliefs, he was unable to return to his job with the Nationals.

The Vaccine Stance and Its Consequences

Gallo's stance on vaccinations was a significant factor in his career setback. In his lawsuit, he cited his convictions as a devout Christian regarding the sanctity of his physical body. The Nationals had advised employees about reasonable accommodation for those with sincerely held religious beliefs, but in Gallo's case, not getting vaccinated meant posing an unacceptable risk to others.Although the situation has evolved over the past few years, with some states passing laws regarding exemptions from COVID-19 vaccinations, Gallo still wonders if his refusal to get the vaccine is the reason he can't get a scouting job or even an interview. In today's job market, especially for scouts, it's a challenging time.

Life After Baseball

After being exiled from baseball, Gallo's life took some unexpected turns. He sold cars, drove for Lyft, and got certified as a personal trainer. He is now considering bartending as a new career path. Although he received his Social Security and baseball pension early, he still misses the sport he loves.He took note of the lawsuit filed against MLB last year by 17 former scouts, alleging age discrimination. The suit has expanded to 35 scouts, highlighting the challenges faced by scouts in the modern era. In the data revolution, teams are increasingly relying on video analysis instead of traditional scouting.However, Gallo remains firm in his belief that he did the right thing by refusing the vaccine. He believes that everyone should have the right to make decisions based on their own beliefs.So, the question remains: Knowing what he knows now, would Gallo do it all over again? His answer is clear: "I would do it over again."