Did you know these famous people played Minor League Baseball?
This story was excerpted from The Baseball Traveler newsletter.
This story was excerpted from The Baseball Traveler newsletter.
Minor League Baseball players often go on to achieve success and stardom, but this celebrity isn’t necessarily restricted to the baseball diamond. The following individuals didn’t make a mark in their baseball careers, instead going on to become household names while pursuing a different passion. If at first you don’t succeed, try something else!
Before they were stars
Mario Cuomo (OF, 1952)
Mario Cuomo served three terms as New York governor, becoming a nationally prominent figure in the process. Before his political triumphs he was just a baseball-obsessed kid from Queens, one with enough talent to get signed by the Pirates in 1952 (the scout who signed him was in NYC to check out an up-and-comer named Whitey Ford). Cuomo was assigned to the Brunswick Pirates of the Florida-Georgia League, his strong start ultimately negated by injury. In 1953, he chose a college education in lieu of baseball and the rest, as they say, is history.
Cuomo is perhaps the most notable politician to have played Minor League Baseball. However, Dwight Eisenhower is rumored to have done so as well. We might never know for sure.
Charley Pride (RHP, 1953-60)
Charley Pride never got close to Cooperstown enshrinement but he nonetheless went on to have a Hall of Fame career. The trailblazing Black country music star logged 30 No. 1 hits over his career, most in the 1970s, and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2000. Pride grew up poor in Mississippi and initially saw baseball as the path to a better life. He played throughout the country during much of the 1950s, logging time with Negro, Minor, barnstorming and semi-pro league teams. While his strong pitching arm kept him employed, it was his golden voice that eventually earned him wealth and fame.
Ron Shelton (2B, 1967-71)
“Bull Durham” was a surprise hit upon release and is now considered to be one of the best baseball movies of all time. Its true-to-life details regarding life in the Minor Leagues resonated with a large audience, and that’s because director Ron Shelton lived that life. He spent five seasons in the Baltimore Orioles system, suiting up for five teams along the way. None of those teams was the Durham Bulls, but there’s nothing wrong with taking a little artistic license.
Kurt Russell (2B, 1971-73)
Bing Russell was an actor and a baseball executive and his son, Kurt, followed his father’s footsteps. The future movie star’s pursuit of a baseball career effectively ended in 1973, after he suffered a torn rotator cuff while playing for the Double-A El Paso Sun Kings. By that point Russell’s acting career was on the rise, allowing him to make a relatively seamless transition from the baseball diamond. “I don’t regret anything except the injury itself,” Russell told MiLB.com’s Michael Avallone in 2019. “Playing more would have been great, but it wasn’t meant to be.”
Randy Poffo (a.k.a. Randy “Macho Man” Savage) (OF, 1971-74)
Ooooooh yeah! The flamboyant wrestler known far and wide as Randy “Macho Man” Savage preceded this heel turn with a professional baseball career. Poffo played in the Minor Leagues for four seasons, primarily within the St. Louis Cardinals organization. Teammates remembered him as a quiet guy with, yes, a passion for wrestling. He was known for building makeshift rings in the clubhouse, and in 1973 (while he was still playing baseball) competed on the wrestling circuit as “The Spider.”
Scott Boras (2B-3B, 1974-77)
Yes, baseball’s most preeminent player representative was once a player himself. Boras spent four seasons in the Minor Leagues, largely in the Cardinals' system, making it as high as Double-A. A chronic knee injury put the kibosh on Boras’ playing career, so he went back to school and obtained a law degree. Boras’ current career began in the early 1980s when pitcher Mike Fischlin, a high school friend, asked him to serve as an agent.
John Elway (OF, 1982)
Tom Brady, Dan Marino and John Elway were all drafted by Major League teams, but Elway was the only one among these quarterback luminaries who went on to play in the Minors. The Yankees, wowed by the Stanford standout’s booming bat and powerful right arm, selected Elway in the second round of the 1981 Draft and signed him for the then-prodigious sum of $140,000. His lone professional season was with the Class A Short-Season Oneonta Yankees in 1982; over 42 games he hit .318, stole 13 bases and walked more than he struck out. Elway then returned to Stanford for his senior year, excelling on the gridiron once again. The Colts selected him with the first pick of the 1983 NFL Draft, leading to a prolonged drama: Which sport would Elway choose to play professionally? We all know how that turned out.
📩 SUBSCRIBE TO THE BASEBALL TRAVELER NEWSLETTER
While we're on topic...
Elway is one of many NFL players who also spent time playing Minor League Baseball. Others include, but are not limited to, the following:
John Lynch (P, 1992-93) -- Lynch, currently the general manager of the San Francisco 49ers, played 16 seasons in the NFL. He was drafted by the Florida Marlins in 1992 and, later that year, threw the first pitch in the history of the organization (playing for the Class A Short-Season Erie SeaWolves).
Ricky Williams (OF, 1995-98) -- From 1995-98 Williams was a star running back with the University of Texas. He was also a member of the Phillies’ organization during that time frame, appearing in 170 games overall. Football ultimately won out. Williams signed with the Saints and played his first NFL season in 1999.
Russell Wilson (2B, 2010-11) -- Wilson spent parts of two seasons playing in the Colorado Rockies' organization, suiting up for the Tri-City ValleyCats and Asheville Tourists.
Shaq Thompson (OF, 2012) -- Thompson, a Carolina Panthers linebacker, played 13 games for the Gulf Coast League Red Sox in 2012. It did not go well. He went 0-for-39 … with 37 strikeouts!
Tim Tebow (OF, 2017-19) -- After a stellar college football career and a serviceable stint in the NFL, Tebow pivoted to baseball at the age of 29. He held his own over three years in the Mets’ system, but never established himself as a Major League-level talent.
Michael Jordan (OF, 1994) -- In a list like this, there’s Michael Jordan and then there’s everybody else. Jordan, of course, was a star before he became a Minor Leaguer. He was the best basketball player in the word, arguably of all time, and yet he paused his professional career to pursue his baseball dreams. Jordan spent the 1994 season with the Double-A Birmingham Barons, a team piloted by rookie manager Terry Francona. He held his own but by no means excelled, and the following season he was back on the basketball court. Was it all a dream?
Other notables
Scott Patterson (RHP, 1980-86) -- Patterson, the Braves’ first selection in the 1980 Draft, made 255 appearances over seven Minor League seasons. He then transitioned to acting, making a big impression as Luke Danes, the diner owner on “Gilmore Girls.”
Eliot Asinof (OF, 1940-41) -- Asinof, the author of several baseball books (most notably “Eight Men Out”) played two seasons in the Phillies' farm system before enlisting in the Army.
Jim Reeves (RHP, 1945-47; ’49) -- Before he became the country music superstar known as Gentleman Jim, Reeves was a kid from rural Texas trying to make it as a ballplayer with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Drake Hogestyn (3B, 1976-77) -- The days of Hogestyn’s life included a short stint within the Yankees' organization. From 1982 until his death in 2024 he played John Black on “Days of our Lives.”
Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton (1B, 1949-50) -- Sweetwater debuted with the New York Knicks in 1950, becoming the first Black player to sign an NBA contract and the second to play in the league. This came on the heels of his second and final season within the Cleveland Indians' organization.
Bert Convy (OF, 1951-52) -- The actor and game show host spent two years in the Phillies' system, beginning when he was just 17 years old.
Benjamin Hill is a reporter for MiLB.com and writes Ben's Biz Blog. Follow Ben on Twitter @bensbiz.
Blue Wahoos To Make Up Half Of Miami Marlins Spring Training Roster
When the Miami Marlins assemble for the official start of spring training in two weeks, exactly half of the 64 players in camp will be former Blue Wahoos players. The Marlins on Monday released their non-roster invitees, which include 16 former Blue Wahoos, led by last season’s top player, catcher
Blue Wahoos Stadium sets the stage for the start of the Double Bridge Run
Runners for the 2025 Publix Pensacola Double Bridge Run 15k presented by aDoor Real Estate will get an added bonus this year — shelter from the cool coastal breeze while they are inside Blue Wahoos Stadium. Runners have typically had to brave the chilly temps outside the stadium while waiting
Win a Trip for Four to Miami Marlins FanFest in Blue Wahoos Social Media Contest
PENSACOLA, FL – The Pensacola Blue Wahoos are offering four fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to receive a VIP experience at Miami Marlins FanFest, held at loanDepot Park on Saturday, February 8. The winning entrant will receive round-trip airfare from Pensacola International Airport to Miami International Airport, hotel accommodations in Miami,
Blue Wahoos' Advocate Roger Mayo, Decorated Prep Coach, Gets Hall of Fame Honor
Roger Mayo was once a pitchman for Blue Wahoos Stadium, pushing the return of affiliated baseball in Pensacola and the groundbreaking in 2009 for the now-acclaimed bayfront ballpark. He was then a fixture as Escambia High baseball coach, a role he held for 32 years. “Everywhere I went, everyone I
Blue Wahoos Return An Early New Year’s Eve Party To Ballpark
The Blue Wahoos are providing a New Year’s Eve experience, family style. For the first time in six years, Blue Wahoos Stadium will host “Kazoo’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Party,” an event on Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. that will feature renowned country music artist Jessie Ritter, inflatable
Blue Wahoos Leadership Team Reconnects, Gains Insight at MLB Winter Meetings
The Blue Wahoos had an increased presence at the annual Major League Baseball Winter Meetings, which concluded on Wednesday in Dallas. The three-day event began Monday at the Hilton Anatole Hotel, located in an upscale suburb of Dallas. This event, which brings together MLB and Minor League Baseball executives, has
Blue Wahoos Stadium to Host "Kazoo's Rockin' New Year's Eve Party"
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos are ringing in the new year in festive fashion, hosting “Kazoo’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Party” at Blue Wahoos Stadium on December 31. The family-friendly event will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and feature inflatables, playing field access, ballpark concessions, a photo booth
Blue Wahoos Celebrate Holiday Season By Hosting, Participating In Variety Of Events
In ways which have utilized both the stadium and front office staff, the Blue Wahoos have spread Christmas spirit and created holiday season cheer. Being part of Saturday’s annual Cox Pensacola Christmas Parade, presented by Cox Communications, will complete a two- weekend stretch of four private stadium events and two
Quint and Rishy Studer Provide Holiday Surprise to SFOC Employees
Quint and Rishy Studer have provided each full-time and part-time employee of the Studer Family of Companies, Center for Civic Engagement and Studer Community Institute a gift of $1,000 in advance of the holiday season. “Rishy and I see how inflation impacts individuals and families,” said Quint Studer in an
Blue Wahoos Announce Front Office Promotions
PENSACOLA, FL – The Pensacola Blue Wahoos announced on Tuesday a series of promotions and additions to their full-time front office staff. After five years in the organization, Tyler “TJ” Johnson has been promoted to assistant general manager. Born and raised in Pensacola before attending Troy University, TJ joined the
Blue Wahoos Hosting Yard Sale Party At Ballpark On Saturday
The Blue Wahoos on Saturday are having a yard sale at their ballyard. In a first-time event, dubbed “Thrift And Sip At Blue Wahoos Stadium,” there will be a variety of items dating from the first season in 2012 to the past season on display throughout the infield and playing
Joe Mack Wins 2024 Minor League Rawlings Gold Glove Award
PENSACOLA, FL – Minor League Baseball and Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc., today announced the nine recipients of the 2024 Rawlings Gold Glove Award for defensive excellence, including the recognition of Pensacola Blue Wahoos catcher Joe Mack as one of the best defensive players in Minor League Baseball. The winners
Blue Wahoos Partnership With Local HS Soccer Team Provides New Uniforms
An opportunity for the West Florida High boys soccer team to work as volunteer parking attendants at Blue Wahoos baseball games this past summer brought dividends. Taking part in a work-fund project, the team of 34 student-athletes worked 12 games and 205 volunteer hours, enabling them the ability to purchase
Former Soul Bowl Player Leads PHS To Memorable First City Bowl Win At Blue Wahoos Stadium
Pensacola High’s Jarmacuz Fountain was enveloped in celebration, as he reflected upon his star role in the second First City Bowl game, sponsored by Cox Mobile, at Blue Wahoos Stadium. The junior quarterback led the Tigers on a dramatic, 98-yard go-ahead TD drive, capped by Fountain’s 42 yard touchdown run
Remember When? Former Blue Wahoos Players Rojas, Graterol Now Part Of Marquee World Series
Miguel Rojas has distinction of being part of the Blue Wahoos’ player introductions on April 5, 2012 when Pensacola had its historic, inaugural opening night at the bayfront ballpark. Twelve years later, now in the twilight of his career, Rojas is trying to attain the rarest feat as part of
Blue Wahoos Stage Friday Night Fright With Halloween-Themed Football Event
The Blue Wahoos are blending Halloween, football and fireworks into a unique night with their latest themed event on Friday at Blue Wahoos Stadium. It’s a combination centering around the second First City Bowl/Halloween Spectacular, presented by Cox Mobile, featuring Pensacola High against West Florida High with its kickoff at
Blue Wahoos Stadium Provides 'Really Cool Day' In Historic FSU-Auburn Fall Ball Clash
The weather was spectacular. The ballpark was jam-packed. The crowd vibe was unique. Pensacola’s Chris Rembert helped make it even grander for the Auburn Tigers. Only five months past his high school graduation, the former Pensacola Catholic star had a memorable collegiate debut by collecting three hits, driving home four
Blue Wahoos To Stage Free Pregame FanFest Prior To FSU-Auburn Baseball Game
The game itself was sold out two months ago in record time, but people can still enjoy a pregame experience before Saturday’s Auburn-Florida State special fall baseball event. The Blue Wahoos are hosting a fanfest style, free pregame party, beginning at 9 a.m. in the grass lawn area fronting Blue
Soul Bowl At Blue Wahoos Stadium, Presented By Cox Mobile, Saluted Generational Coaching Ties
Reggie Smith Sr. clutched the special award plaque, overcome with gratitude and pride. Every year the Soul Bowl has been staged, in part as a celebration of youth football and Pensacola’ two cross-town leagues that have thrived in competition, Smith has played a role. His turn in the spotlight occurred
Soul Bowl At Blue Wahoos Stadium Continues Growing Its Community Impact
From its origin decades ago on a community park field, the Soul Bowl has gone grand. It has transcended its place as a defining finish to a youth football season between two ultra-competitive leagues in Pensacola into something much bigger in scope. And the growth continues. “I think it seems
Blue Wahoos, Pensacola Connections Abound In MLB Postseason
The special legacy Joe Espada and Carlos Mendoz carved 20 years ago as Pensacola Pelicans teammates has reached a new mantle. They are now part of Major League Baseball history. Espada, the Houston Astros manager and Mendoza with the New York Mets – once a double-play turning tandem and roommates
Blue Wahoos Stadium Provides Positive Vibe For Florida JUCO Teams After Hurricane Affected Lives
His players were scattered across the state, having sought shelter, when Brian Henry, head baseball coach at Tallahassee State College, sent a welcome message. Hurricane Helene had sideswiped Tallahassee on Sept. 25. There was no catastrophic damage as feared. The campus was intact and the baseball facilities were fine. Henry
Blue Wahoos Stadium To Host Junior College Baseball Showcase Event
The baseball coaches in the Panhandle Conference opted two years ago to avoid hefty travel costs to Lakeland and host their own junior college, fall showcase event, in closer proximity. It has found a home at Blue Wahoos Stadium. For the second year, the Panhandle Conference Baseball Sophomore Showcase will
Blue Wahoos Investor Bubba Watson Furthers Local Impact With Renamed FCA Golf Tournament
Bubba Watson was a teen phenom in local junior golf circles, when he won the Northwest Florida-Fellowship of Christian Athletes High School Golf Tournament, during the event’s early years three decades ago. It provided a future glimpse that has seen Watson, who is part of the Blue Wahoos ownership team,
Blue Wahoos End Season With Dramatic Walk-off Win In 10 Innings
Pensacola, Fla. - A rain delay had passed and the skies were still threatening Sunday when the Blue Wahoos hurriedly unfurled a pregame banner thanking their fans. More than three hours later, after catching a break with weather, they treated the crowd at Blue Wahoos Stadium to a 6-5, walk-off