NFL Players

Did AJ Brown Play Baseball? MLB Draft And Padres Pick

By Shraddha Rai / 8 June 2023 09:46 AM

Brown ruled the baseball field with his fascinating frame and exceptional ability to swing
Brown ruled the baseball field with his fascinating frame and exceptional ability to swing( Source : instagram )

AJ Brown played baseball in the position of a center fielder according to CBS Sports. Brown was drafted by the San Diego Padres in 2016.

Currently, instead of playing bat and ball, he serves as the wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles. He got recruited in the NFL Draft 2019 by Tennessee Titans and played for them until 2021.

It is yet to see how the latter years of the star quarterback's career will unfold, whether he will join MLB or not. Around 70 athletes have adorned the field of both the NFL and MLB until now.

Perhaps, A.J. will follow the path of athletes like Bo Jackson, and become a player of not only the National Football League but Major League Baseball as well.

Brown's dad, Arthur Brown was a huge fan of baseball who wanted to see his son gracing the field of baseball. That's why, as a dutiful son, A.J. tried his hands in baseball in the first place.

Although he developed an affinity for the hardball game as he grew up. But his priorities were straight. So, he chose NFL.

AJ Brown Baseball Draft

AJ Brown MLB draft happened in 2016 as the 19th round selection of the baseball team San Diego Padres. AJ was recruited in the position of a center fielder.

The drafting process took place in Secaucus, New Jersey from the 9th to the 16th of June. It began when the Philadelphia Phillies picked Mickey Moniak as the first overall. Football color commentator Joel Klatt was also drafted by the San Diego Padres in the eleventh round of the 2000 Major League Baseball draft.

A.J. waves his hand while donning the Philadelphia Phillies T-shirt in May 2022
A.J. waves his hand while donning the Philadelphia Phillies T-shirt in May 2022( Source : twitter )

Around 2016, there used to be 40 rounds in the drafting process of the Baseball league. AJ could have been picked in the initial rounds, had he given his blood, sweat, and tears to only baseball.

But he had more than one passion, so, he even thought of making his name in both baseball and football. Well, nothing is impossible. But, the Padres wanted him to make the biggest decisions of his life i.e. to either choose NFL or MLB.

Brown chose the latter. That is why, today he is shining amongst the American Gridiron fans.

Stephen Moritz, who serves as the scout for the San Diego Padres, did not think twice before praising Brown. According to Moritz's evaluation, A.J. was destined to become a star player in any of the major sports leagues.

Although A.J. did not make a career in baseball, the skills he sharpened during his youth days as a hardball player has proven to be fruitful in his present career.

Thanks to years of grinding in the bat and ball game, his hand-eye coordination is outstanding A.J. believes that as a wide receiver, one has to catch the ball with their eye, and he is exceptional at it.

AJ Brown Ole Miss Baseball

AJ Brown baseball journey in Ole Miss was short-lived. AJ was not allowed to play baseball at Ole Miss after signing with the Padres in 2016.

AJ went to the University of Mississippi from 2016 to 2018. At the time of admission, Brown was supposed to play both football and baseball. But he missed the chance to be a part of the Mississippi Rebels team after signing with the Padres.

During his 3 years time at the University, A.J. was actively involved with the Padres and he also worked out with other athletes from the minor leagues. A.J. only spent part of the summer with the minor-league of Padres before his sophomore year started.

From the college, he graduated with a degree in General Studies. He learned about journalism, Legal Studies, and Education.

Interestingly, A.J.'s friend DK Metcalf, the 64th overall pick of the 2019 NLF Draft was also from Ole Miss. Their relationship has developed into that of brotherhood as they have seen each other advancing in their career.

DK Metcalf and A.J. Brown Ole Miss attended the University of Mississippi together, in the same year, and played together. So, the wide receivers have a great bonding.

A.J. Brown High School

Before joining Ole Miss, Brown used to play both of his favorite sports while studying at Starkville High School as well. During his senior year, he aced at both games.

That is why, he got to compete in all-star games like Under Armour All-America Football Game and Under Armour All-America Baseball Game.

These two are the annually organized game held among top student-athletes. As a senior in high school, Brown scored over .360.

AJ Brown San Diego Padres

AJ Brown Padres was recruited as the 564th overall by the MLB team Padres in June 2016. Several incentives were promised for the young player in the contract.

It included periodic signing bonus payments of $100,000. Nevertheless, he had to attend the Peoria Sports Complex for two days every year.

Needless to say, the young man never started the Major League Baseball journey. AJ still can not get over baseball.

On January 26, 2022, he tweeted that sometimes he contemplates playing two sports. Furthermore, he joked that all he requires is a workout by tagging the Padres.

Nonetheless, the Padres were adamant that Brown could not sail two boats at the same time. As a matter of fact, A.J. Brown's MLB journey never took off.

All of this happened before he got traded with the Eagles. Brown spent two seasons with the Titans, but since the team refused to sign a new contract with more value, he got traded with the Eagles.

This trade ended the question of Brown's association with the Padres again. But never say never, maybe after the contract comes to an end in 2026, A.J. will restart his journey with the baseball team.

It is not a new thing to get trained for two sports leagues at the same time, but one has to dedicate themselves physically, mentally, and spiritually to become the master of the craft one chooses.

AJ who is just 25 years old, still has time. It may not be surprising if he says goodbye to football to pursue his dream of baseball in the future.

Jalen Hurts Baseball

Jalen Hurts and AJ Brown took the sports fan by storm after playing baseball with the Philadelphia Phillies on June 7.

The quarterback and the wide receiver of the Eagles went to the Citizens Bank Park, the home playing field of the Philadelphia Phillies, and showcased their skills.

That day, the Phillies had a match against the Detroit Tigers, but it was rescheduled for the next day on account of poor air quality.

Tim Kelly, the editorial director of Phillies Nation took to Twitter and shared that Brown has a nice swing. He also uploaded the video of Jalen Hurts taking batting practice with Topper, Rob Thomson.

There is still some time before the regular season of the football league will begin. So, the Phillies fans are anticipating that the two will appear at their home stadium a few more times per Sports Illustrated. 

Hurts recently touched the baseball bat and ball on June 7 before the Phillies game at Citizens Bank Park
Hurts recently touched the baseball bat and ball on June 7 before the Phillies game at Citizens Bank Park( Source : instagram )

Did Jalen Hurts Play Baseball?

Yes, Jalen Hurts played baseball during his childhood. Jalen served in all positions of the sport as an all-rounder but excelled in sliding.

But the 24-year-old graduate of Oklahoma quit it for football in the 10th grade. Born on 7 August 1998, he went to Channelview High School.

In an interview during the 2022 regular season with the Eagles, Hurts claimed that if had to choose another sport, he would take the position of center field or shortstop in baseball.

He also revealed his favorite team in MLB, Houston Astros. Jalen also declared that he was captivated by the way Derek Sanderson Jeter and Craig Biggio performed on the field.

Jalen is reaping the benefits of playing multi-sports. Sliding is an important skill not only for a baseball player but also helpful in football. Since he was capable of sliding while playing hardball, it has aided him in his games.

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