The lives of professional baseball players are a far cry from the ordinary, with their careers often spanning decades and earning them millions. But what if they hadn't made it to the big leagues? The Athletic asked a dozen All-Stars what they would have been doing if they hadn't become professional baseball players. The answers offer a fascinating glimpse into the players' diverse interests and potential career paths.
Bryan Baker, a Tampa Bay Rays player, reveals a passion for academia. He was set to attend pharmacy school and become a pharmacist, a path influenced by his mother's teaching career and his own love for learning. This academic inclination could have led him down a different route, perhaps in psychology, given his interest in school and his mother's influence.
Louis Varland, a Toronto Blue Jays player, envisions a life as a competitive fisherman. He dreams of joining the Major League Fishing Bass Pros Tour, a competitive fishing tournament. Varland's love for fishing, despite not being particularly skilled, suggests a potential career in the outdoor sports industry.
Logan Webb, a San Francisco Giants player, had a strong desire to become a firefighter. He was set to attend Cal Poly and take a fire science class, inspired by his close friends' fathers who were firefighters. This career path would have provided a sense of meaning and impact.
Jacob Latz, a Texas Rangers player, sees himself starting a restaurant or a health-related company. His interest in food and nutrition, coupled with his past health issues, makes this a plausible career choice. Latz's entrepreneurial spirit and desire to help others through food could have led him down this path.
Chase Burns, a Cincinnati Reds player, considers a career in the Navy or as a video game streamer. His parents' military backgrounds and his love for playing video games suggest a potential career in the entertainment or gaming industry. Alternatively, the Navy would have provided a stable and meaningful career.
CJ Abrams, a Washington Nationals player, reveals a penchant for trading stocks. His interest in day trading and the idea of working from home showcases a potential career in finance. However, his comment about not wearing a suit every day adds a touch of humor to this serious career path.
James Wood, also a Washington Nationals player, humorously suggests becoming a security guard. His physical build and the idea of putting on 50 to 60 pounds make this a surprising yet entertaining career choice. Wood's comment about his father's professional basketball career adds a layer of family influence.
Foster Griffin, another Washington Nationals player, expresses a desire to be a stay-at-home dad, influenced by his father's career in golf. This career path highlights the importance of family and the potential for a fulfilling career in sports-related fields.
Kyle Schwarber, a Philadelphia Phillies player, envisions himself coaching baseball. His passion for the sport and his desire to share his knowledge make this a natural career choice. Schwarber's love for the game and his ability to mentor others could have led him down this path.
Drake Baldwin, an Atlanta Braves player, reveals a love for hockey. His past as a standout forward and his college major in construction management suggest a potential career in the construction industry. Alternatively, his interest in sports could have led him to a career in sports management or coaching.
Byron Buxton, a Minnesota Twins player, considers a career as a truck driver or a physical therapist. His understanding of anatomy and his father's experience as a truck driver make these careers plausible. Buxton's academic attention and interest in the human body could have led him down this path.
Riley O'Brien, a St. Louis Cardinals player, had a business major in college, indicating a potential career in business. His interest in the business side of sports could have led him to a career in sports management or entrepreneurship.
Chris Sale, an Atlanta Braves player, reveals a single-minded focus on his career. His quote about having a Plan B and sticking to Plan A showcases his determination and commitment to his chosen path. Sale's advice to others highlights the importance of perseverance and dedication.
These responses offer a fascinating glimpse into the diverse interests and potential career paths of professional baseball players. From academia to sports, entrepreneurship to the military, these players' answers showcase the wide range of possibilities that exist beyond the baseball diamond.
