Did Tom Brady Play Professional Baseball in the MLB?
Tom Brady, the renowned American football quarterback, has had a storied career as one of the greatest players in the NFL. However, what many may not know is that Brady had a brief connection with the Major League Baseball (MLB), namely with the Montreal Expos. This article delves into the truth behind this curious detail, providing a comprehensive analysis based on historical records and trivia.
Tom Brady’s Draft and His Potential
Back in 1995, out of Junipero Serra High School in San Mateo, California, Tom Brady was drafted by the Montreal Expos as a left-handed hitting catcher. This draft pick, the 507th overall and 18th round, reflects the potential Brady had as a catcher at the high school level.
High School Potential and Scouting
Brady's talents were recognized early on, with scouts from MLB teams showing interest in his catching abilities. Being a top-flight prospect in high school, Brady was a strong candidate for a professional career in baseball. This interest was further compounded by his left-handed hitting, a valuable attribute in any hitting stance.
However, Brady had other plans. He had committed to play quarterback at the University of Michigan, a move that significantly diluted the interest from major league scouts.
Tom Brady Never Played for the Montreal Expos
Despite the draft, Brady never stepped foot on the baseball field for the Montreal Expos. The draft was a formality, merely acknowledging his potential in baseball.
According to historical records, Brady was indeed the Montreal Expos’ last draft choice ever, as the team was on the verge of becoming the Washington Nationals. The Expos announced their move to Washington in 2005, effectively marking the end of the Expos as an independent franchise. Brady’s draft pick in 1995 would be the last ever made by the team under that name.
Fun Trivia and Legacy
The draft pick is a fun trivia point, particularly notable because Brady later became a legend in the NFL. Another interesting tidbit is that the now-defunct Montreal Expos team did not play another game after Brady’s draft. The team underwent a rebranding and eventually relocated to Washington, D.C., becoming the Washington Nationals in 2005.
Conclusion
In summary, while Tom Brady was indeed drafted by the Montreal Expos as a catcher in 1995, he never played a professional baseball game. His potential in baseball was recognized, but his commitment to football at the collegiate level and beyond led to a career solely in American football. This unique bit of trivia adds an interesting layer to Brady’s biography, bridging his lesser-known passion for baseball with his brilliant career as a football quarterback.