Decisions, Decisions
“High school hero, college zero.” Damn I hate that phrase. I, like most high school athletes, was a “multiple sport athlete.” I lettered in 2 sports for three years in both football and basketball. I was the man, in my own mind, so to speak. However imagine actually being good in two sports? Not small public high school good; like All-American good.
The hardest decision that I’ve had to make in my life thus far is what shirt I’m going to iron for work or what I’m going to get on my burger at Five Guys. Imagine trying to decide which sport to play? That’s like Brad Pitt or Derek Jeter deciding on whom they want as their girlfriend. (Anniston or Jolie; Vanessa Manillo (pre-Lachey days) or Minka Kelly). I’d choose Annison and Kelly. (Hmm, wow maybe I should change the topic of the article). Okay back on Earth.
Let’s play a game. If you were an absolute stud in multiple sports. If you had the opportunity to choose. What would you pick?
What would you choose? A baseball contract (second round draft pick), a full-ride to UCLA to play point guard, or a full-ride to Nebraska to play quarterback. Decisions, decisions. I’d personally choose to play basketball at UCLA. I’d rather live in LA then Nebraska. I wouldn’t want to deal with traveling on a bus in the minors for a year or two. UCLA is the most storied college hoops school. Not to mention you could probably land some serious boy band ass at UCLA. One guy actually had to make this decision. Carl Crawford chose baseball. He now steals 368 bases a year for the Rays and has played in the World Series. However, he does have a neck tattoo. So he’s got that going for him.
A ton of athletes have had to make tough decisions like these. Dave Winfield was drafted in three sports after graduating from the University of Minnesota. He was drafted by the San Diego Padres, Atlanta Hawks, and the Minnesota Vikings despite the fact he didn’t even play college football. Some guys just decide to go pro in more then one sport (Bo Jackson, Deion Sanders, Brian Jordan, etc). Not to mention Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders were two of the most exciting players to watch in football…ever. How is this fair?
Even white dudes are getting blessed with raw talent in multiple sports. John Elway played football and baseball at Stanford. Dan Marino was drafted by the Kansas City Royals and was lighting up the guns with his 95 mph heater.
Imagine if Todd Helton doesn’t get hurt playing football? He was the starting quarterback at the University of Tennessee. Who did he start over? Some guy named Peyton Manning.
There are many others. This article could go on and on. Share the wealth…let other people be good at one of the sports you’re good at. Carl Crawford doesn’t need his basketball or football abilities any longer. Can I have them?
Got a favorite multiple-sport athlete? Post yours below.
6 Responses to “Decisions, Decisions”
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Don’t forget about Tommy Glavine, also drafted into the NHL…Also, Jose Canseco had a stellar MMA career after abusing steroids and hitting bombs
My favorite multi-sport athelete is Super Mario. He was a plumber in high school but since then has become a star athlete in many sports. Not to mention the guy has more rings than Bill Russell.
Danny Ainge was drafted by an MLB team before playing in the NBA. Not sure which one though. Danny Ainge is also mentioned in a Biggie song, something to the effect of “shooting long-range, like Danny Ainge”. The song is called “NBA Jam Session”, which is the last song to play on the VHS highlight tape of the early 90’s bearing the same name. Danny Ainge was once shook so bad by MJ in the 92 Finals that he fell into the announcer’s table. Jordan then pulled up for a short J and made the shot.
90’s baseball and basketball forever man…(Diz voice)
Foreevver mannnn.
Best multi-Sport Athlete: Shaq. He’s been playing everything lately! Shaq Vs. may be the worst show ever created tho.
simply the greatest web site of all times… thank you matt and ryan for making my life just a tad more interesting!
“Not small public high school good; like All-American good.”
you mean “not small public HS good; like don bosco HS good.”