In an entertaining revelation, former MLB superstar Alex Rodriguez recently reminisced about his past encounters with Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Arod recalled giving the back-to-back Super Bowl champion terrible advice when he was a youngster.
As most know, Mahomes grew up around MLB clubhouses due to his father, Pat Sr., being a journeyman pitcher in the big leagues.
“Patrick Mahomes has always had the heart of a champion,” Arod remarked.
“I remember Pat as a young kid, coming to practice with his dad to set up baseballs for me and my teammates. I distinctly remember giving him the worst advice ever: ‘Don’t play football … The money’s in baseball.'”
“I’m happy to be wrong and glad he didn’t listen!” Arod added.
“Patrick has transcended the game of football to become one of the most respected athletes of all time, both on and off the field. His insatiable desire to win is outdone only by his passion to give back and make the world around him better.
“Patrick’s legacy will live on far beyond his playing day. And – as evidenced by his back-to-back Super Bowl wins – he’s not done yet!”
Mahomes’ father was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the sixth round of the 1988 MLB Draft.
He ended up posting a 42-39 career record with 452 strikeouts and a 5.47 ERA.
During his professional journey, Mahomes Sr. made stops in Minnesota, Boston, New York (Mets), Texas, Chicago and Pittsburgh … He also pitched for the Yokohama BayStars in Japan from 1997-1998.
Patrick Mahomes was a baseball star himself. Although his primary focus was on football in high school, he was still drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 37th round of the 2014 MLB Draft.
He didn’t end up signing a contract however and instead stuck to his commitment to play football at Texas Tech.
While admitting that baseball has always been his first love, Mahomes unsurprisingly has no regrets about his career path.
Already considered one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history, it’s safe to say he made the right decision.
(Although it’s fun to think about “what could have been???”)
Can you imagine if Mahomes took Arod’s advice? … Well, who knows actually, perhaps he could have turned into Paul Skenes!
Regardless, baseball will clearly always be in Mahomes’ blood.
Another fun nugget is the fact that Mahomes’ Godfather is none other than former MLB pitcher LaTroy Hawkins, who was of course his father’s teammate with the Minnesota Twins.
(Hawkins also tried stealing Paul O’Neill’s #21 jersey number with the Yankees and got ran out of town because of it.)
Do you think Mahomes would have ended up making it to the Majors if he stuck with baseball?
Getting back to Arod, what are your thoughts on his controversial career?
Should he be in the Hall of Fame???