Importance Score: 35 / 100 🔵
America’s favorite pastime is back this week following the winter break, bringing with it throngs of devoted enthusiasts – including the affluent and celebrated.
While figures such as Travis Kelce, Miles Teller, Jay-Z, and Jennifer Lopez are frequently seen in stadium seating at baseball games nationwide, numerous prominent individuals have connections to the baseball diamond that extend beyond fandom.
Many luminaries of stage, screen, and even politics enjoyed promising youth careers in baseball prior to pursuing alternative paths to stardom.
Here, Daily Mail examines well-known personalities who once stepped up to the plate in their younger years – but can you recognize them all?
Country Star’s Diamond Dreams
A renowned country music performer (middle, back row) participated in Spring Training with both the San Diego Padres and New York Mets after playing baseball in high school. While he is now famed for his musical career, a different future was once a distinct possibility.
From Little League to the White House
Pictured centrally, one former president’s engagement with baseball began in childhood with Little League, but his ambitions eventually shifted towards the political arena of the White House.
Hollywood Icon’s Early Innings
Before establishing a distinguished acting career, one of Hollywood’s most significant figures (front row in the middle) tested his skills at the plate for Augusta High School in Kentucky.
Yellowstone Star’s Athletic Past
Another luminary of the silver screen (pictured back middle) played baseball during his high school years at Villa Park and subsequently played shortstop for a Class A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners in 2002.
Comedy Legend’s Sporting Days
This comedic icon (pictured on the left in the left image, and in the center of the right image) served as senior captain of his Long Beach High School team back in 1965.
Country Star’s Catcher Ambitions
Another country music personality once appeared destined for major league baseball, playing catcher at Russell High School before penning numerous celebrated songs known worldwide.
‘One-Speed’ Heartthrob’s Sporting Prowess
Before becoming an iconic Hollywood heartthrob (back row in the middle), this young man excelled as a three-sport athlete at Fairmount High School.
From the Diamond to the FBI Drama
This actor, best recognized for his role as an FBI agent in ‘The X-Files,’ was raised as a devoted Yankees supporter and learned baseball skills from his father, playing for Collegiate School in New York.
A Comedy Star’s Sporting Past
One of Hollywood’s most beloved comedians (back row, center) was a distinguished student athlete, participating in both baseball and basketball at University High School in Irvine, California.
Former President’s Baseball Boast
A former world leader (middle) claimed to have been a high school baseball standout at New York Military Academy, with aspirations for a baseball career.
Pictured in the middle of the front row, he once asserted he was the best baseball player in New York state – a stark contrast to the path he ultimately pursued, away from baseball.
Football Star’s Hollywood Curveball
This football luminary turned actor also engaged in baseball during his high school years at Harvard-Westlake.
From Blockbusters to Baseball Uniforms
While instantly recognizable for his leading roles in major films, this actor appears notably different in a baseball uniform from his New Jersey high school.
Boxing, Acting, and Baseball: A Triple Threat
Widely known for his careers in acting and boxing, this star (front row, right) devoted his teenage years more to athletic pursuits than cinematic endeavors.
Split Career Paths: Screen and Diamond
Although he followed his father’s path into acting, Hollywood was not the only connection this screen star shared with his parent.
Magnum P.I.’s Real-Life Baseball Connection
The actor known for portraying ‘Mr. Baseball’ (front row middle) was a devoted Tigers fan and harbored aspirations of reaching the major leagues while attending Grant High School in California.
TV Icon’s Academic Curveball
This television personality (left) confessed that his academic performance led to the loss of his position on the Santa Monica High School baseball team.
1. Garth Brooks
Garth Brooks boasts connections extending beyond the music industry, including acquaintances in major league baseball. The celebrated country singer made a notable attempt to join MLB, though his efforts on the diamond ultimately fell short of expectations.
In 1998, alongside establishing his Touch ’em All Foundation in collaboration with MLB, Brooks embarked on a brief foray into professional baseball. He signed with the San Diego Padres for Spring Training in both 1998 and 1999.
Despite his efforts, he did not secure a regular season roster spot but received an offer for a non-roster position, which he subsequently declined.
Brooks returned to Spring Training the following season, this time with the New York Mets. However, this stint also proved unsuccessful, as he recorded no hits in 17 at-bats.
The ‘Friends in Low Places’ vocalist signed with the San Diego Padres for Spring Training in 1998 and 1999, and with the New York Mets the following season.
2. George W. Bush
George W. Bush upheld a presidential tradition on multiple occasions by throwing the ceremonial first pitch at World Series games.
However, many Americans may be unaware that the former president’s affection for baseball stretches back to his formative years.
Bush’s passion for baseball began in childhood when he participated in Little League in Midland, Texas.
His enthusiasm for the sport persisted into adulthood, as he served as a managing partner for the MLB team, the Texas Rangers, before his political career as President and Governor of Texas.
Former president George W. Bush throws out the first pitch prior to the 2023 World Series.
3. George Clooney
George Clooney has cultivated an impressive career as an Academy Award-winning actor, director, and producer. Prior to his Hollywood success, however, the acclaimed actor sought opportunities on a different field.
Clooney was reportedly considered a top high school baseball prospect at age 16, even securing a tryout with the Cincinnati Reds.
Ultimately, his baseball aspirations did not materialize, and Clooney humorously attributed his lack of success to a deficiency in skill.
“No, I just lacked skill. I had everything else,” he remarked to Deadline in 2023, reflecting on his athletic pursuits. “I had a good hat, I had a good uniform. I just lacked the ability to play the game.”
Reportedly, George Clooney was highly regarded as a top high school baseball talent.
4. Kevin Costner
Kevin Costner famously portrayed fictional Detroit Tigers pitcher Billy Chapel in the 1999 film ‘For Love of the Game,’ although his cinematic baseball prowess did not translate to a major league career.
He reportedly played shortstop for the San Bernardino Stampede, a Class A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners, in a 2002 exhibition game against their parent club, going hitless in three at-bats.
Costner later transitioned to the pitcher’s mound during the game and faced pinch-hitter/manager Lou Piniella, nearly hitting him with a pitch and causing the manager to fall.
Nevertheless, Costner has frequently incorporated baseball themes into his filmography, including ‘Chasing Dreams,’ ‘Bull Durham,’ ‘For the Love of the Game,’ ‘The Upside of Anger,’ and ‘Field of Dreams.’
The latter film inspired the name of the independent Illinois-based team, the Lake County Fielders, in which Costner held a partial ownership stake.
Kevin Costner is said to have played shortstop for a Seattle Mariners Class A affiliate in 2002.
5. Billy Crystal
As a former senior captain of his Long Island high school baseball team and a lifelong Yankees devotee, Billy Crystal realized a dream in 2008.
The actor signed a minor league contract during Spring Training, affording him a single at-bat in a Grapefruit League game to commemorate his 60th birthday.
However, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Maholm dashed the ‘When Harry Met Sally’ star’s baseball aspirations.
Billy Crystal cherished a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in 2008 when he stepped up to the plate for the Yankees.
6. Billy Ray Cyrus
Long before pursuing a career in music, Billy Ray Cyrus harbored ambitions of a baseball career.
The country music icon showed promise for the major leagues, playing baseball in his Kentucky youth and earning an athletic scholarship to Georgetown University.
“I was a ball player. I was going to be the catcher for the Cincinnati Reds,” Cyrus stated in an interview with PopCulture.com. “Or the Dodgers. That was my backup team, the Dodgers. I wanted to be Johnny Bench, but the Dodgers were scouting me. And I would have said yes to either.”
However, his baseball aspirations took a backseat when a Neil Diamond concert inspired a career shift.
After attending Diamond’s performance in Charleston, West Virginia, Cyrus traded his baseball mitt for a guitar the following day.
Billy Ray Cyrus (pictured with his daughter Noah in 2019) garnered interest from MLB teams.
7. James Dean
Before achieving fame as a Hollywood heartthrob, James Dean was known as Jimmy Dean, a celebrated multi-sport athlete at Fairmount High School.
As a teenager, Dean competed in basketball, baseball, and track, setting school records and earning the prestigious top-athlete medal during his senior year, according to the IndyStar.
While basketball was considered his strongest sport, the ‘Rebel Without A Cause’ star played third base for his high school baseball team.
Outside of school competitions, he participated in American Legion Baseball, maintaining a .333 batting average.
James Dean participated in American Legion Baseball, achieving a .333 batting average.
8. David Duchovny
While David Duchovny’s 2024 project ‘Reverse the Curse’ revolves around a devoted Boston Red Sox family, the actor himself was raised as an ardent Yankees supporter.
Growing up, the filmmaker was captivated by the Bronx Bombers, recounting how he would collect coupons from milk cartons and exchange them for tickets to Shea Stadium – the former home of the Mets – as trips to Yankee Stadium were considered too costly.
The ‘X-Files’ star learned fundamental baseball skills from his father, a second-generation Ukrainian immigrant who played softball.
Filmmaker David Duchovny engaged in baseball during his youth, learning to hit and catch from his father.
9. Will Ferrell
Will Ferrell may seem like an unlikely candidate for a baseball at-bat, but surprisingly, he has a profile on baseball statistics site baseball-reference.com, complete with a detailed bio, position listings for all nine positions, and trade history.
During the 2015 Spring Training, the comedic actor achieved a remarkable feat by playing for 10 different teams in nine different positions across five games in a single day, as part of a charitable initiative benefiting Cancer for College and Stand Up to Cancer.
He made appearances for teams including the Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, Chicago White Sox, San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Angels, Cincinnati Reds, Arizona Diamondbacks, Seattle Mariners, and the New York Yankees. He even served as the third base coach for the Cubs.
His transactions are meticulously documented on his statistics page, with a washing machine, Churro Dog, and ‘Comedic Actor to be Named Later’ listed as trade compensations.
Ferrell’s athletic credentials include captaining his high school basketball team, participating in baseball and soccer teams, and playing various positions on the football field.
Hollywood icon Will Ferrell enjoyed a distinguished sporting career in high school.
In the 2015 Spring Training, the comedian achieved a historic feat by playing for 10 different teams in nine different positions across five games in one day.
10. Donald Trump
The former president has openly discussed his purported athletic talents, frequently boasting about his numerous golf championships and football achievements.
His baseball abilities are no exception. According to Donald Trump himself, he was recognized as the premier baseball player in New York state during his youth.
In his recollection, he was a high school baseball prodigy destined for a baseball career rather than political office.
“I was supposed to be a pro baseball player,” he wrote in his 2004 book, ‘The Games Do Count: America’s Best and Brightest on the Power of Sports.’ “At the New York Military Academy, I was captain of the baseball team. I worked hard like everyone else, but I had good talent.”
Former President Donald Trump has frequently spoken about his alleged baseball skills.
11. Mark Harmon
Mark Harmon is widely recognized as a prominent alumnus of ‘NCIS,’ but prior to his acting career, he excelled as an athlete.
The son of Tom ‘Ol 98’ Harmon, a Heisman Trophy-winning halfback, the Emmy-nominated personality channeled his athletic aptitude into baseball during his high school years at Harvard-Westlake School.
However, football ultimately provided Harmon with a path to college athletics. As a quarterback, he led the UCLA Bruins to a 17–5 record, earning the National Football Foundation Award for All-Round Excellence in his senior year.
Despite his collegiate achievements, Harmon was not selected in the 1974 NFL Draft, but his passion for sports has remained evident in his on-screen work.
Reportedly, Mark Harmon played baseball in high school, but his greatest talent lay on the football field.
12. Ed Harris
On the big screen, Ed Harris is instantly recognized for his memorable roles in ‘The Truman Show’ and ‘Apollo 13,’ but the actor is far less recognizable in a baseball uniform.
Before starring alongside acclaimed actors such as Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, and Julia Roberts, Harris had a different set of teammates.
Growing up in Tenafly, New Jersey, Harris enjoyed playing baseball during his teenage years, though football was the sport in which he received all-state recognition.
Harris was a promising football player, continuing his gridiron career at both Columbia University and the University of Oklahoma.
Ed Harris enjoyed playing baseball during his teenage years in Tenafly, New Jersey.
13. Mickey Rourke
Mickey Rourke’s focus during his teenage years was primarily directed toward sports rather than acting.
In 1969, Rourke attended Miami Beach Senior High School, where he played second-string first baseman under coach Skip Bertman.
However, Rourke found greater success in boxing. He pursued self-defense training at the Boys Club of Miami, developing boxing skills and embarking on an amateur career.
At the age of 12, he secured his first boxing victory, but after sustaining several concussions, he made the decision to retire from boxing.
Reportedly, Mickey Rourke played second-string first baseman during his high school years.
14. Kurt Russell
Kurt Russell may have pursued an acting career similar to his father’s, but Hollywood is not the only connection they share. Bing Russell, who had a brief stint as a minor league ballplayer, instilled a love for baseball in his son.
Russell Sr. established a local Little League in Thousand Oaks, California, where Kurt Russell and other children had their initial experience with baseball.
In fact, baseball is considered a significant factor in Kurt Russell’s accomplished acting career. At the age of 11, he reportedly auditioned for a part in the film ‘Safe at Home’ simply to have the opportunity to meet Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris.
Despite having already starred in several successful films and TV shows by age 20, his baseball talents attracted attention from major league teams, including the Angels, Cardinals, Giants, and Twins. The latter two teams reportedly showed interest in drafting him.
He subsequently signed with Class A Short Season Bend in the Northwest League before the 1971 season. However, a severe rotator cuff injury curtailed his promising baseball career, leading Russell to return to acting full-time.
Kurt Russell is pictured with his longtime partner Goldie Hawn at the 2025 Oscars ceremony.
15. Tom Selleck
It appears that ‘Mr. Baseball’ did indeed possess genuine batting skills.
Tom Selleck, a lifelong Detroit Tigers enthusiast, harbored childhood aspirations of playing in the major leagues, playing for Grant High School’s baseball team.
“If anyone asked me what I wanted to be when I was a kid, it wasn’t an actor. It was to be a professional baseball player,” the ‘Magnum, P.I.’ star revealed to The Athletic in 2018.
In 1992, Selleck starred in ‘Mr. Baseball’ as a veteran Yankees first baseman who transitions to Japanese baseball to prolong his career. In preparation for the role, he fulfilled a childhood dream to some extent.
In April 1991, Selleck immersed himself in the character by donning a Tigers uniform and taking one at-bat with his beloved team in Lakeland, Florida.
Tom Selleck previously shared his childhood dream of becoming a professional baseball player.
16. Charlie Sheen
Despite starring in ‘Major League,’ Charlie Sheen never achieved major league baseball status in reality.
A fan of both the Reds and Yankees, Sheen was a dual-threat talent in his youth, playing pitcher and shortstop at Santa Monica High School.
However, he admitted that academic troubles derailed his promising high school baseball career, resulting in his removal from the team.
The former ‘Two and a Half Men’ star played both pitcher and shortstop at Santa Monica High.
Sheen then sought to realize his baseball ambitions elsewhere, specifically in Missouri. After noticing an advertisement for the Mickey Owen Baseball School, the ‘Two and a Half Men’ actor journeyed to the Midwest hoping to be scouted.
“But I looked at the talent there and knew I couldn’t do it for a living,” he confessed in a Sport Illustrated interview.
“I think my baseball career would have been spent riding buses, not jets, if you know what I mean. So I figured, Hey, I’ll pursue a real idiot’s job instead. Acting!”