A’s analyst Bip Roberts considering mayoral run if Thao is recalled

(KRON) — Bip Roberts, a former MLB player and Oakland native who is now a studio analyst for NBC Sports California, is considering running for mayor of Oakland. He said after Wednesday’s A’s-Red Sox game that people have suggested the idea to him, and he is considering it.

The NBC Sports California postgame show ended with a segment called “Anything Else?” where Roberts floated the idea.

“I’m born and raised in Oakland, California, and I see everything that’s going on in the city. I’m a part of that city” he said. “And right now, I hear that there’s a recall that’s happening where the mayor may be recalled. I’m going to have to pray on this, but I have people in my ear saying that I should run for mayor, so we’ll have to wait and see.”

Roberts’ co-host, Brodie Brazil, appeared to be caught off-guard by the announcement, and he double-checked with Roberts that he was being serious.

“This is real,” Roberts said. “An Oakland boy understanding what’s going on in Oakland that can help make change because I understand the problems very well and I can make that change for you guys.”

Oakland Mayor Thao questions motives behind FBI raid

Roberts reminded that he still has to pray about the potential move, but he is giving serious thought to a run for office.

Roberts was born in Berkeley and attended Skyline High School in Oakland, according to his Baseball Reference page. He played in MLB from 1986-98, primarily with the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds. He spent the second half of his final big-league season with the A’s.

The long-time second baseman admitted on the show that he does not have much of a political background. “Nah, I’m just me,” he said.

A petition to recall Oakland’s current mayor, Sheng Thao, received enough signatures to move forward in June. Days later, Thao’s house was raided by the FBI. The Oakland City Council is set to meet next week to discuss whether the recall election will move forward.

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