The world of professional baseball is a captivating one, filled with athletes who dedicate their lives to the sport. But what if these stars had chosen different paths? The Athletic's intriguing survey of All-Star players reveals a fascinating glimpse into their alternate realities, showcasing the diverse interests and potential careers they might have pursued. From pharmacy to fishing, firefighting to finance, these athletes offer a unique perspective on what lies beyond the baseball diamond.
Pharmacy and Psychology: The Academic Route
Bryan Baker, a Tampa Bay Rays player, reveals a deep-rooted academic interest. He shares his plan to attend pharmacy school and become a pharmacist, a path influenced by his mother's teaching career and his own love for learning. This academic inclination could have led him down a different road, perhaps even into the field of psychology, given his interest in the subject.
Fishing and Competition: A Natural-Born Athlete
Louis Varland, a Toronto Blue Jays player, envisions himself as a competitive fisherman. With a passion for fishing and a desire to participate in tournaments, he could have become a professional angler. This career path highlights the natural athleticism and competitive spirit that often underpin these athletes' lives.
Firefighting: A Meaningful Calling
Logan Webb, a San Francisco Giants player, had a strong desire to become a firefighter. His interest in fire science and the influence of close friends whose fathers were firefighters could have led him down this path. Firefighting offers a sense of meaning and impact, which many athletes seek beyond their sports careers.
Entrepreneurship and Health: A Business-Minded Approach
Jacob Latz, a Texas Rangers player, envisions himself as an entrepreneur in the health and wellness sector. With a background in nutrition and a desire to start a coffee and brunch spot, he could have become a business owner. This path showcases the entrepreneurial spirit that often drives athletes to explore diverse career options.
Gaming and Military Service: A Digital and Traditional Path
Chase Burns, a Cincinnati Reds player, considers two intriguing paths: video game streaming and a career in the Navy. His love for gaming and the influence of his parents' military backgrounds could have led him down either route. These options blend the digital and traditional worlds, offering unique opportunities for athletes.
Security and Basketball: A Physical Role
James Wood, a Washington Nationals player, surprisingly considers becoming a security guard. With his height and physicality, he could have excelled in this role. Additionally, his father's professional basketball experience adds another layer to this potential career path.
Stay-at-Home Dad and Golf: A Family-Centric Choice
Foster Griffin, a Washington Nationals player, expresses a desire to be a stay-at-home dad, a role influenced by his father's teaching profession in golf. This choice highlights the importance of family and the potential for athletes to prioritize their loved ones.
Baseball Coaching: A Natural Progression
Kyle Schwarber, a Philadelphia Phillies player, sees himself as a baseball coach. This career path is a natural progression from his professional experience, allowing him to share his knowledge and mentor future generations of players.
Hockey and Construction: A Sports-Business Duality
Drake Baldwin, an Atlanta Braves player, reveals a love for both hockey and construction management. His background in construction and his standout forward role in hockey could have led him to a career in the business side of construction.
Truck Driving and Physical Therapy: A Practical Approach
Byron Buxton, a Minnesota Twins player, considers two practical careers: truck driving and physical therapy. His understanding of anatomy and his father's experience as a truck driver make these paths appealing. Physical therapy, in particular, showcases his academic focus and interest in the human body.
Business and Nutrition: A Balanced Approach
Riley O'Brien, a St. Louis Cardinals player, had a business major in college, indicating a potential interest in entrepreneurship. His background in nutrition and health issues growing up could have led him to explore business and health-related opportunities.
The Risk of Plan B: A Cautionary Tale
Chris Sale, an Atlanta Braves player, shares a cautionary tale about the importance of sticking to Plan A. His coach's advice to focus on his primary goal highlights the risks of having a backup plan. This perspective adds a layer of realism to the athletes' alternate realities.
