Russell Wilson is known for his heroics on the football field but many people don’t know that he has extensive baseball history. Wilson’s baseball right’s are currently owned by the Texas Rangers but he was actually traded to the New York Yankees today. While Wilson may never play major league baseball, there’s a chance he could show up to spring training in Tampa.
Jerry Crasnick of ESPN was the first to report the news:
“The Texas Rangers announced Wednesday they have traded Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson to the Yankees for future considerations. Wilson, a four-time Pro Bowler, is expected to appear at the Yankees’ Grapefruit League camp in Tampa, Florida, sometime in February or March.”
Wilson, 29, probably won’t ever play major league baseball but he was talented enough to get drafted to the big leagues. Wilson has been on record that he might be willing to play both football and baseball if he were to be traded to the Seattle Mariners and could stay in the same state as the Seahawks. It will be interesting if Wilson shows up to spring training with the Yankees even if it’s for fun.
“Wilson, 29, has no plans to emulate Deion Sanders or Bo Jackson and try to reinvent himself as a two-sport athlete, sources familiar with the situation told ESPN. But he’s maintained his love for baseball and wants to continue his ties to the sport.
He has long expressed a desire to play for the Yankees, and Rangers general manager Jon Daniels and his New York counterpart, Brian Cashman, have spent several weeks working to accommodate his wishes, a source told ESPN.”
Wilson also released a statement following the trade to the Yankees:
“I want to personally thank the Texas Rangers for giving me the chance to experience professional baseball again,” Wilson said. “Growing up taking grounders, hitting BP, and throwing deep post routes early in the mornings with my dad and brother is where my love of sports came from, and those memories stick with me every morning I wake up. I remember how excited I was when Texas selected me in the Rule 5 Draft in December 2013. During my two springs in Arizona with the Rangers, I was reminded just how much I love the game of baseball.
“While football is my passion and my livelihood, baseball remains a huge part of where I came from and who I am today. I’ve learned so much on the baseball field that translates to my game physically and mentally playing quarterback in the NFL. I thank the Rangers and their great fans for making me feel at home and a part of the family! While I embrace the chance to be a New York Yankee, I will forever be grateful to have been a part of a world class organization like the Texas Rangers.”
