Before The Touchdowns: Unearthing Tom Brady's Hidden MLB Draft Story

When you hear the name Tom Brady, your mind immediately conjures images of Super Bowl trophies, record-breaking passes, and an unparalleled career as the greatest quarterback in NFL history. His two-decade reign of dominance with the New England Patriots and a final championship with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers cemented his legacy as the ultimate gridiron warrior. But what if we told you that the legendary quarterback almost took a completely different path, one that involved a baseball bat and a catcher's mitt instead of a football helmet?

Long before he became a household name in football, Tom Brady was a highly touted baseball prospect, so talented that Major League Baseball scouts took serious notice. His skills on the diamond were impressive enough to earn him a spot in the 1995 MLB Draft, setting the stage for a fascinating "what if" scenario that could have drastically altered the course of sports history. Let's delve into the untold story of Tom Brady, the baseball player, and the MLB draft pick that almost was.

From Diamond Prodigy to Gridiron Legend: Brady's High School Baseball Career

Before he was leading game-winning drives, Tom Brady was a standout athlete at Junipero Serra High School in San Mateo, California. While his football talents were certainly emerging, it was on the baseball field where he truly shone as a high school phenom. Brady was widely known as a great baseball player, and his natural athleticism and raw talent quickly caught the attention of professional scouts.

Brady's prowess wasn't just anecdotal; it was backed by impressive statistics and memorable moments. In two varsity seasons for Junipero Serra, Brady hit an impressive .311 with eight home runs. While eight homers might seem like a low total for a power hitter, don't let that number fool you. Brady's power was so prodigious that he once hit a home run off his team's bus that famously woke up the bus driver – a testament to his raw strength and ability to launch the ball.

Initially playing first base, Brady made a significant and difficult transition to catcher during his senior year, a move that showcased his versatility, leadership, and dedication to the team. According to a San Francisco Examiner article published in 1995, this shift highlighted his willingness to take on new challenges for the benefit of his team. As a catcher, he demonstrated strong defensive skills and a powerful arm, further solidifying his appeal to MLB scouts.

His time at Junipero Serra wasn't just about individual statistics; Brady was a crucial part of a successful baseball program. He had made a name for himself at Junipero Serra, even challenging future MLB star Pat Burrell, and was instrumental in helping the baseball team clinch the CCS (Central Coast Section) baseball championship, adding a championship pedigree to his resume even before his NFL career began.

The 1995 MLB Draft: A Crossroads Moment

The stage was set in June 1995 for the Major League Baseball draft, an annual event designed to assign amateur baseball players to MLB teams. The draft order typically followed the reverse order of the previous season's standings, with additional compensation picks distributed for players who did not sign from the 1994 MLB draft. It was within this system that Tom Brady's name emerged as a potential professional baseball player.

While Tom Brady was famously taken in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft with the 199th overall selection, his baseball draft position came even later. In the 18th round of the ’95 MLB draft, with the 503rd overall pick, the Montreal Expos — a franchise that would later become the Washington Nationals — took a chance on Brady. Another source, MLB.com’s Cut4, reported in 2019 that he was selected as the 507th pick overall. Regardless of the exact number, it was a late-round gamble on a multi-sport athlete.

The Expos' interest in Brady was serious. They even went as far as to bring Brady to Candlestick Park for a workout with their players, an unusual decision for an 18th-round pick. This extraordinary step underscored how impressed the team's scouts were with his talent and potential, knowing that he was still considering his options between baseball and football. As it turns out, Tom Brady was one of three future New England Patriots taken in the 1995 MLB draft, a curious piece of trivia connecting the two sports.

The decision was monumental. Would Brady pursue a career on the diamond, grinding through the minor leagues with the hope of reaching the big show? Or would he stick with football, a sport where his ultimate destiny was yet to be revealed? We all know the choice he made, but the legitimate opportunity to play professional baseball was very real.

What If? Imagining Tom Brady, MLB Catcher

For two decades, we've been able to see Tom Brady dominate the NFL, rewriting the record books and collecting championships. But what if he had chosen baseball? Yeah, you heard that right. It's a fascinating thought experiment that continues to capture the imagination of sports fans.

Most of us probably don’t think of his catching abilities, given his legendary status as a quarterback. Yet, the Montreal Expos drafted him specifically as a catcher, recognizing his defensive prowess and leadership qualities behind the plate. Imagining Brady as a big-league catcher requires a leap of faith, but his documented athleticism and competitive drive suggest he would have given it his all.

The "what if" scenario has even transcended the realm of pure speculation and entered the world of collectibles. One of the key cards in 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball is a draft pick from 1995 – none other than Tom Brady. Topps is marketing it as his first official baseball card, a tangible piece of this alternate reality. In this set, you can find Tom Brady autographs that imagine a world where he did sign with Montreal and entered its minor league system. So, yes, in a way, this is where you can get your Tom Brady baseball rookie card, allowing fans to own a piece of what might have been.

While Tom Brady's retirement appears to officially close the book on a historic MLB franchise in a symbolic sense – the Montreal Expos eventually relocated to become the Washington Nationals – his decision not to sign with them truly closed the chapter on his professional baseball aspirations. It was a choice that ultimately led to an unparalleled football career, but the echoes of his baseball talent remain a captivating part of his athletic story.

A Multi-Sport Phenom's Choice

Tom Brady isn't alone in being a multi-sport athlete drafted by both NFL and MLB teams. He joins a distinguished list of NFL stars who were also selected in the MLB draft, including notable examples like Russell Wilson and John Elway. These athletes represent a rare breed, possessing the talent and versatility to excel at the highest levels in different professional sports. Their stories highlight the difficult choices young athletes face when pursuing their dreams.

Brady's decision to forgo a professional baseball career for football ultimately led to one of the most dominant and celebrated careers in sports history. However, his legitimate talent on the baseball diamond underscores the depth of his athletic gifts. It serves as a reminder that the path to greatness can often involve pivotal, less-known crossroads.

In the end, while the world knows Tom Brady as the GOAT of the NFL, his fascinating journey through the 1995 MLB Draft offers a glimpse into an alternate reality. It's a testament to his incredible athletic ability that he was a legitimate prospect in two major professional sports, leaving us to wonder about the baseball career that never was.