When I was growing up I had trouble believing that World Series hero Kirk Gibson was once a star wide receiver at Michigan State. You mean the guy who heroically homered in Game One of the 1988 World Series used to catch touchdown passes for the Spartans?
Jeff Samardzija has never played in a World Series during his career that has seen him play for the Chicago Cubs, Oakland Athletics, Chicago White Sox and San Francisco Giants. He has however made over $100 million in his Major League career while posting a career record of 80-104.
Samardzija was an elite talent at Notre Dame, setting receiving records with his incredible play between 2005 and 2006. He joined “The Notre Dame Minute” with Brian Polian this week and shared some memories of attending Notre Dame and help sell the school/football program.
On this ND Minute @BrianPolian checks up with former Fighting Irish wide receiver and current MLB pitcher Jeff Samardzija, who shares why he chose Notre Dame. #GoIrish pic.twitter.com/XRH4XQkFmS
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) May 6, 2020
It’s scary to think about if Samardzija would have went to Purdue at that time but with the offense the Boilermakers were running I can see why it was so tempting.
Samardzija finished his Notre Dame football career with 179 receptions that totaled 2593 yards and 27 touchdowns. Each of those 27 touchdowns and all but 327 of the yards came his junior and senior years when he helped lead the Irish to a 19-6 record over a two year span.