Justin Bieber is a two-time Grammy Award-winning Canadian pop singer who has sold over 150 million records worldwide.
Shane Bieber is a pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians.
The two men could not be further apart, aside from the last name. You’d be hard-pressed to confuse them on the street, but that’s exactly what happened to announcer Bob Costas while calling Game 2 of the Guardians and New York Yankees‘ ALDS on Friday.
Classic mixup 😂
Bob Costas accidentally called @ShaneBieber19 Justin Bieber instead. #Postseason pic.twitter.com/eQmyJMSDZD
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) October 14, 2022
“Justin Bieber just threw his 84th pitch,” Costas said during the sixth inning of the game.
The seasoned broadcaster quickly realized what he had done.
“I actually called Shane Bieber Justin Bieber! How did – I vowed that would not happen,” Costas said. “I’m sure it’s not the first time it’s happened in his life.”
The MLB world quickly reacted to the gaffe.
Bob Costas needs to leave the booth. He's just listing Justin Bieber songs in the ALDS tie game in the 6th. This man is lost
— Marty Mush (@martymush) October 14, 2022
“Bob Costas needs to leave the booth. He’s just listing Justin Bieber songs in the ALDS tie game in the 6th. This man is lost,” Marty Mush said.
A lot of people have been asking me about bush league the last week. Bob Costas calling him Justin Bieber is pretty fucking bush league. Chart out some more examples and it will make sense over time.
— two bird carl (@barstoolcarl) October 14, 2022
“A lot of people have been asking me about bush league the last week. Bob Costas calling him Justin Bieber is pretty f****** bush league. Chart out some more examples and it will make sense over time,” Carl Manfred said.
Costas just unironically said Justin Bieber this is horrific man
— Chief Earl (@YankeesFanEarl) October 14, 2022
“Costas just unironically said Justin Bieber this is horrific man,” one Yankees fan said.
Bob Costas just referred to Guardians pitcher Shane Bieber as Justin Bieber on the broadcast. What a BUNGLE! FIRE his ass!!
— Will 🦥 Menaker (@willmenaker) October 14, 2022
“Bob Costas just referred to Guardians pitcher Shane Bieber as Justin Bieber on the broadcast. What a BUNGLE! FIRE his a**!!” Will Menaker joked.
Bob Costas really just called Shane Bieber Justin Bieber my lord
— Ryan Weathers (@RyanDWeathers25) October 14, 2022
“Bob Costas really just called Shane Bieber Justin Bieber my lord,” Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Ryan Weathers said.
This is the first time Costas has called the MLB postseason since 2000.