The MLB’s Opening Day ceremonies would have kicked off today, had the sports world not been suspended indefinitely without play due to the coronavirus pandemic. One of the greatest moments in sports, the first day of baseball always produces a wave of nostalgia for the players and fans, an ageless stretch from the young to the old.
The trashcan jokes alone would have made this year’s festivities memorable, but alas, there will be no crack of the bat, no soothing PA announcements, no flyovers, and no snark at the Astros’ expense. All that is left—other than the enjoyable reruns of yesteryear—is list of NFL players who also played in the MLB.
Some history: Both leagues have interwoven throughout the decades, beginning in the 1920s when several MLB players joined teams in the newly formed NFL. (Before the ’20s, star baseball players, like Christy Mathewson, played both but the NFL was not yet official.)
Since then, close to 70 athletes have played for the MLB and NFL. And, for a few interesting reasons, these are 10 of the most notable.
Let’s play ball!
Jim Thorpe
Thorpe was the original do-it-all athlete, which included gold medals and even pro basketball. He played major league baseball for the New York Giants, Cincinnati Reds, and Boston Braves. During those years, Thorpe also played football. He began his career with the Canton Bulldogs, which was part of the inaugural 1920 NFL season, and then played for (and coached) a handful of teams after that. Surrounded by the fame of his heroics at the Olympics, Thorpe was a major draw for both sports, though football would turn out to be his more decorated. No other two-sport star has played for more NFL teams (six) than Thorpe.