During Saturday night’s Dodgers game, Stephen Nelson experienced an awkward moment reminiscent of Thom Brennaman—but without any controversy. As the Dodgers’ secondary play-by-play voice filled in for Joe Davis, who was calling the Mets-Astros game on MLB on Fox, Nelson encountered an unfortunately timed interruption while attempting to pay tribute to Nancy Bea Hefley, the beloved Dodger Stadium organist who recently passed away at age 89.
Public address announcer Todd Leitz had informed the crowd about Hefley’s passing, leading to a moment of silence before the first pitch. Later, Nelson used a lull in the action to reflect on what he called the “gut punch” of her death. As he spoke, Tommy Edman launched a home run, interrupting Nelson’s tribute. “Before tonight’s game, the Dodgers held a moment of silence,” Nelson said. “They mourn the passing of Nancy Bea. Nancy Bea Hefley, Dodgers’ organist for nearly 30 seasons, passed away Saturday at the age of 89. And when it was announced by Todd Leitz on the PA system, there was just a gut-punch exhale in reaction from this crowd. And Orel, I know that news hits you the same way.”
Tommy Edman homered right as Stephen Nelson was discussing the passing of longtime Dodger Stadium organist, Nancy Bea Hefley. pic.twitter.com/RZ3ZkvDM0a
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 30, 2025
On the very first pitch of the bottom of the seventh, Edman connected with a 79 mph sweeper from Tigers pitcher Kenta Maeda, sending it 397 feet into the Dodger Stadium stands. “Tommy Edman charges up on the very first pitch of the seventh inning, deep to right center field, and out of here,” said Nelson. “Tommy with his third tank of the season; the Dodgers back to a 3-run lead.” Social media quickly noticed the eerie resemblance to the infamous Castellanos moment, with many fans making the connection.
edman think he castellanos pic.twitter.com/cYH7WHxqit
— daniel (@iamnotdanielkim) March 30, 2025
TOMMY EDMAN … MEET NICK CASTELLANOS!!! That timing was horribly good.
— AléAléAlé (アレックス) (@alealeale0001) March 30, 2025
TOMMY EDMAN JUST PULLED A NICK CASTELLANOS #dodgers #tigers
— Ice (@Iceisnice32) March 30, 2025
Tommy Edman the new Nick Castellanos for that 😭
— cindy 🪐✨ (@Teotani4ever) March 30, 2025
Tommy edman with a Castellanos moment lmao
— Danny (@VolkorOW) March 30, 2025
Luis Garcia did his best Gerrit Cole impression and Tommy Edman did his best Nick Castellanos in the same inning 😂😂😂
— Alex Gam (@AlexGam2013) March 30, 2025
While Nelson may not have committed a Brennaman-level blunder, he now finds himself in a unique group of broadcasters whose somber tributes were overshadowed by untimely home runs.
