cool

Way back in 1984, he was 6 feet 3 and about 190 pounds — cut like an athlete, which he was. A multi-sport star from California, as a matter of fact. Billy Beane, the Jackson Mets right fielder in ’84, also had movie star looks. He was cool, without trying. He even rode his bike from his Jackson apartment to Smith-Wills Stadium on occasion. Now that’s cool. He was also a nice guy, one of the most approachable members of the ’84 JaxMets, even though that was his third year at the Double-A level. He had an unforgettable moment that summer, hitting a walk-off homer at Smith-Wills to win the Texas League All-Star Game. Again, cool. He hadn’t been picked for the game originally but returned from a beach trip with some buddies to participate when another player dropped out. He said he owed it to the fans in Jackson to play, and he was sincere. Very cool. He also returned a phone call from a Jackson sports writer to talk about it 24 years later. A first-round draft pick, Beane didn’t pan out exactly as the New York Mets had hoped, but he was a good player. Good enough, ultimately, to make the big leagues. But he’s done a better job as the general manager of the Oakland A’s, fielding a consistently competitive club in a market where it’s tough to win. That’s what the movie “Moneyball” is all about. Seen the promos for it yet? It’s due out in September. Playing the part of Billy Beane? Brad Pitt. Now how cool is that?