Guest Post by Evan Sutker:
The distinction of sports players usually comes from them exceeding in one sport memorably. That isn’t always the case though. Sometimes, players are not well known for the one sport they play, but for the two sports that they play really well.
That is an achievement on its own; playing two sports successfully. Here are some baseball players who were good enough to get their names down in the record of other sports. If football were being discussed, Jim Brown would be a shoe in for #1, he was known as one of the greatest Lacrosse players of all time as well as a football great.
1. Deion Sanders
Sanders, nicknamed “Primetime” is known in his baseball career for the nine years he played for multiple teams such as the New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves and the Cincinnati Reds. Yet at the same time, as he was playing in the diamond, he was also running on the field as a football player.
He has actually become the only sports player to enlist in both the Super Bowl and World Series. He played for Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins and the Baltimore Ravens.
Sanders also had the reputation of a singer/rapper, releasing an album after his nickname, Prime Time. After his own glory days came to an end, Sanders went on training and mentoring new possible athletic stars such as Devin Hester, Noel Devine, Michael Crabtree and Dez Bryant.
Career highlights and achievements
- 1988 – Jim Thorpe Award for Best Defensive Back
- 1989 – Only player to score touchdown and home run in the same week professionally
- 1992-98 – Selected to play in pro bowl
2. Bo Jackson
Bo Jackson, just like Deion Sanders, played both baseball and football in his career. Jackson holds the title of the only man to make All-Star teams in two sports.
His fame even brought him to Nike, who created a line of advertisements for an athletic shoe dedicated to Bo with the catchphrase, “Bo Knows.”
It was 1991 when his fans of both sports watched his downfall. 1991 marks the year he got a serious hip injury which prevented from playing in NFL Football, leaving him with only baseball. He played for a good four more years until 1995, when he retired from sports entirely.
He finished his Bachelor of Science degree, and guest starred in multiple TV shows and movies.
Career highlights and achievements
- 1983 – Most Valuable Player in Sugar Bowl
- 1984 – Most Valuable Player in Liberty Bowl
- 1985 – UPI College Player of the Year
- 1986 – Most Valuable Player in Cotton Bowl
- 1987 – NFL’s Rookie of the Year Award
- 1989 – Voted American League All-Star and All-Star Game’s MVP
- 1990 – Peoples Magazine named him in 25 Most Intriguing People
- 1990 – Selected to the Pro Bowl
- 1999 – Placed in College Football Hall of Fame
3. John Elway
In 1981 John Elway played for the New York Yankees in his baseball career, but it surely isn’t the baseball career that makes him shine. It is the mesmerizing football career he has which makes him a legend.
All of his professional football was played on the team The Denver Broncos. He played on this team for 16 years, winning them the Super Bowl Title in both the 32nd and 33rd Super Bowl.
In 2004, Elway was placed in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. John Elway continues contributing to football by being General Manager of his old team Denver Broncos. Elway was also the partial owner of an Arena Football team called Colorado Crush until arena football was cancelled in 2008.
He owns two steakhouses both named “Elway’s” and still has some line of business in automobile dealerships. A great way to stay financially alive.
Career highlights and achievements
- 1982 – Sammy Baugh Trophy
- 1987 – AP Most Valuable Player
- 1992 – Walter Payton NFL Player of the Year
- 1998 – Super Bowl Most Valuable Player
4. Brian Jordan
It is true that Brian Jordan doesn’t have many awards to show off his talent, but he’s definitely one of the most talented players in his time with his skillset.
Brian Jordan was already making money with his football career when he turned to baseball. He saw baseball as a possibility for a part time sport alongside football.
The Cardinals he played for were looking to him as a full time player. He played for the Falcons in defense at that time and was in debate on full time baseball or football. Eventually, in 1992 he signed a contract for a full time 3 year job with the Cardinals that put his football career on hold.
1995, Jordan searched for a way to re-enter football. In 1998, he played for the Atlanta Braves. All the way to 2006, his contracts fluctuated between football and baseball, until he retired at age 39.
Jordan has played alongside both Deion Sanders and Bo Jackson. He started a Brian Jordan Foundation, a non-profit program to help young children find their inner talent.
5. Joe Mauer
Joe Mauer plays for the Minnesota Twins and was given an 8 year contract worth 184 million dollars. Doesn’t seem that impressive does it?
Well, the truly impressive part plays in from before this contract. In high school, he played three sports splendidly; baseball, basketball and football. He became the best quarterback in the nation, receiving the title of USA Today Football Player of the Year.
In high school, that is pretty impressive. He also got USA Today Baseball Player of the Year, making him the only person to get both of these titles. He received a scholarship at Florida State University to play football.
Mauer took the path of baseball however, and it eventually lead him to playing with USA team in the 2013 World Baseball Classic.
Career highlights and achievements
- 2006,2008,2009 – Silver Bat Award
- 2006,2008,2009,2010,2013 – Silver Slugger Award American League
- 2008,2009,2010 – Gold Glove Award
- 2009 – All Metrodome Team
- 2009 – Baseball America Player of the Year
- 2009 – Baseball Digest Player of the Year
- 2009 – Clutch Performer of the Year
- 2009 – Hitter of the Year
- 2009 – Most Valuable Player Award
- 2009 – Players Choice Outstanding Player of the year Award
The pattern shows for sure that baseball and football are the two sports all these players decided to mingle between. Why not master the two most popular American sports; it could get your name into not one but two halls of fame.
These five athletes have shown that they truly live up to their fame with their achievements. They all have their names down for the books of football and baseball history.