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.
Adjusted Game Times, Dates Announced for Rocket City Softball Showcase
MADISON, Alabama — With temperatures plunging in North Alabama, Rocket City Softball Showcase event officials have announced additional changes to the event schedule. Mississippi and North Alabama will begin the three-day slate at Toyota Field beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, February 21st. The Auburn Tigers will make their Showcase
Trash Pandas Announce 2025 Weekly Promotions
MADISON, Ala. — The Rocket City Trash Pandas are over the moon to introduce new additions and bring back fan-favorite weekly promotions for the fifth season of baseball at Toyota Field. TUESDAYS – LADIES NIGHTS Each six-game series starts with Ladies Night on Tuesdays! Women in attendance can enter to
Schedule Change for UNA vs. Army College Baseball This Weekend at Toyota Field
Due to the projected weather forecast, the three-game series between the North Alabama Lions and the Army Black Knights has been adjusted from its original schedule. The schools will now play two nine-inning contests on Friday, February 14th, beginning at 2 p.m. The second game will start approximately 45 minutes
2025 Specialty Jersey Fundraisers, Supply Drives, & Community Initiatives
MADISON, Ala. — The Rocket City Trash Pandas will host seven specialty jersey fundraisers, four donation drives, and additional community outreach nights to benefit local non-profit organizations during the 2025 season at Toyota Field. “Specialty Jersey nights combine community outreach and in-game entertainment,” said Trash Pandas Executive Vice President Lindsey
Trash Pandas Celebrate Fifth Season with Bobbleheads, Giveaways, and Special Guests
MADISON, Alabama — The Rocket City Trash Pandas promotional calendar features a record number of dates, including promotional giveaways at the Pepsi Gates and special meet-and-greet opportunities during games. “At Trash Pandas HQ, we know our fans are the real MVPs!” yelled Trash Pandas Director of Marketing and Promotions Ricky
Nine 2024 Trash Pandas earn non-roster invites to 2025 Angels Spring Training
MADISON, Alabama – On Tuesday evening, the Los Angeles Angels announced that 26 non-roster players, including nine 2024 Rocket City Trash Pandas, were invited to 2025 Spring Training in Tempe, AZ. Angels' top position player prospect Christian Moore headlines the group after hitting .322 with five home runs in his
Trash Pandas ignite Hometown Throwdown Series in 2025
MADISON, Alabama – The Rocket City Trash Pandas are thrilled to announce a special series of nights dedicated to celebrating local communities around North Alabama and the Tennessee Valley in 2025. The Hometown Throwdown Series, presented by Redstone Federal Credit Union, is set to ignite community pride and support throughout
Trash Pandas to host National Anthem Auditions on Saturday, February 8
MADISON, Alabama – The Rocket City Trash Pandas will host National Anthem Auditions at the Parkway Place Mall on Saturday, February 8, from 10 am to 12 pm. Individuals, ensemble groups, and choirs are invited to audition for the opportunity to sing the “Star Spangled Banner” before one of the
Toyota Field set to host 35 college and high school baseball and softball games this spring
MADISON, Alabama – Signs of spring are almost here in Rocket City, as baseball - and for the first time - softball is set to take place at Toyota Field in less than a month. Before the Trash Pandas hit the diamond on April 4 against Chattanooga, Toyota Field will
Trash Pandas Foundation Announces Return of Color the Can Contest
MADISON, Alabama – The Rocket City Trash Pandas Foundation, in partnership with WHNT News 19, is excited to announce the return of the popular Color the Can contest. The contest and submission form details can be found online at TrashPandasFoundation.com. Kids ages 3 to 12 are invited to submit a
Inaugural Women in Sports Luncheon set for February 18
MADISON, Alabama — The Rocket City Trash Pandas will host the Inaugural Rocket City Women in Sports Luncheon, presented by PNC Bank, at Toyota Field on Tuesday, February 18, from 11:30 am to 1 pm, in partnership with the Huntsville Madison County Chamber of Commerce, Huntsville Madison County Chamber of
Trash Pandas Launch Free Culinary Program 'Cooking Up Success'
MADISON, Alabama — The Rocket City Trash Pandas are excited to announce the launch of 'Cooking Up Success,' a free culinary training program designed to empower aspiring professionals in the sports and hospitality industry. This four—to six-week semi-intensive program, which begins on January 27, is open to individuals aged 16
Alabama baseball to host UNA at Toyota Field on March 25
MADISON, Alabama — The Alabama Crimson Tide baseball team will return to Toyota Field on Tuesday, March 25, at 6:05 pm to face off against the North Alabama Lions. Gates will open at 4:30 pm. Tickets start at just $8 and they can be purchased online at trashpandasbaseball.com/rolltide, in person
Trash Pandas single-game tickets on sale January 17
MADISON, Alabama — The Rocket City Trash Pandas are thrilled to announce that single-game tickets for the 2025 season will be available for purchase beginning Friday, January 17, at 10 am. The fifth season in team history will begin and end at Toyota Field, with action beginning on Friday, April
Sprocket to Deliver Panda-Grams For Valentine's Day
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THIS ONE-OF-A-KIND PANDA-GRAM MADISON, Alabama — Valentine’s Day is approaching, and the Rocket City Trash Pandas are spreading the love across North Alabama with the help of the most romantic mascot in the cosmos, Sprocket! For the third consecutive year, the Trash Pandas are giving fans
Auburn baseball to host UT Martin at Toyota Field on March 11
MADISON, Alabama — The Auburn Tigers baseball team will return to Toyota Field on Tuesday, March 11, at 6:00 PM to face off against the UT Martin Skyhawks. Tickets start at just $8 and will be on sale to the general public beginning Friday, January 10, at 10 AM. They
2025 Rocket City Softball Showcase Announces PNC Bank as Presenting Partner
CLICK HERE FOR SCHEDULE & TICKETS MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas are thrilled to name PNC Bank as the presenting partner of the inaugural Rocket City Softball Showcase, a six-day event at Toyota Field featuring 13 NCAA programs and 12 local high school programs. Throughout the event,
Trash Pandas Hosting 2025 Job Fair on January 16 & 18
MADISON, Alabama – The Rocket City Trash Pandas are hiring! Ahead of the fifth season of baseball in 2025, the team will be hosting a gameday job fair on two separate dates at Toyota Field: Thursday, January 16, from 5-7 pm and Saturday, January 18, from 10 am to 12
Rocket City Christmas Light Show & Winter Wonderland Returns from November 22 to December 29
CLICK HERE TO GET CHRISTMAS LIGHT SHOW PASSES MADISON, Alabama – The fifth annual Rocket City Christmas Light Show and Winter Wonderland makes its way back to Toyota Field this month, presented by BJ’s Wholesale Club. From November 22nd to December 29th, guests can experience the musically synchronized drive-through show
Trash Pandas Announce Game Times
MADISON, Alabama – The Rocket City Trash Pandas, in conjunction with Minor League Baseball, are excited to reveal official game times for the 2025 season. The fifth season in team history will both start and finish at Toyota Field, with 50 of the 69 home games featuring the traditional 6:35
2025 Trash Pandas Mini Plans and Ticket Vouchers On Sale Now
MADISON, Alabama – 20-game Mini Plans and single-game ticket vouchers are now available for the 2025 season of Rocket City Trash Pandas baseball, which begins at home on April 4th against the Chattanooga Lookouts. There are three Mini Plan options available, each with a variety of dates and promotions. All
North Alabama Welcomes Army to Toyota Field
MADISON, Ala. – The North Alabama Lions and Army Black Knights will play the final games on the current surface at Toyota Field. A three-game weekend set featuring the first appearance by Army West Point at Toyota Field in its history will mark the final games before the field is
The Top Pitching Performances of 2024
We saw some tremendous pitching talent come through Rocket City during the 2024 season, which included three arms who made it to the Majors. Here were the best performances on the mound this year: 5. RHP Chase Chaney (6/21 vs. BLX) - 7 IP, 2 H, 7 K, 1 BB
The Top Hitting Performances of 2024
The Trash Pandas used contributions from up and down the lineup in 2024, with eight different players notching 30 or more RBI and six different players registering 70 or more hits. Here were the best individual performances at the plate this season: 5. OF Nelson Rada (6/7 vs. CHA) -