Did John Elway Play Baseball? Uncovering The Two-Sport Talent

Prof. Casper Runte

27 Jul, 2025

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Have you ever wondered if the legendary quarterback John Elway, known for his incredible arm and championship wins, also spent time on the baseball field? It's a question many sports fans ask, and the answer, you know, might surprise some people who only know him from his football fame. This isn't just a simple yes or no query; it opens up a really fascinating part of his athletic story, showing just how gifted he truly was across different sports.

Many truly gifted athletes often excel in more than one sport, especially during their younger years. We see it quite often, actually, with stars who dominate the football field but also had serious potential in basketball or baseball. John Elway, in some respects, fits this mold perfectly, embodying that rare breed of individual who possesses a natural ability for multiple demanding athletic pursuits.

His path to football greatness is certainly well-documented, yet his significant baseball background often gets less attention. We're going to explore this less-talked-about chapter of his life, discovering his time on the diamond and the big decisions he faced. Just as getting accurate insights and expert information is vital for understanding complex topics, like dissociative identity disorder (DID) which is a rare mental health condition characterized by identity and reality disruption, it's also key when looking into the full story of sports icons.

John Elway: A Quick Look at a Legend
- Biography
- Personal Details and Bio Data
The Diamond Dream: Elway's Baseball Path
- High School Prowess
- College Star
- The MLB Draft
A Fork in the Road: Choosing Football
- Yankees' Offer
- NFL Draft Drama
- The Decision
What Could Have Been?
- Baseball Potential
- A Different Path
Elway's Legacy: A Football Icon
- Denver Broncos Success
- Beyond the Field
Frequently Asked Questions
The Enduring Question

John Elway: A Quick Look at a Legend

John Elway's name is practically synonymous with quarterback greatness in the NFL. Born in Port Angeles, Washington, he grew up in a family deeply involved with football, as his father was a coach. This early exposure, you know, certainly shaped his future. He moved around a bit during his childhood, eventually settling in California, where his athletic talents truly began to shine.

Biography

From a very young age, John Elway showed an exceptional knack for sports. He wasn't just good at football; he was a standout in baseball as well, and even basketball. During his time at Granada Hills High School in California, he earned widespread recognition for his amazing abilities in both football and baseball. He was, frankly, a star player in both arenas, attracting attention from college recruiters and professional scouts alike.

After high school, he decided to attend Stanford University, where he continued to play both sports at a very high level. His college career was, in fact, quite remarkable. He set numerous passing records for the Cardinal football team, becoming one of the most celebrated college quarterbacks of his era. Simultaneously, his baseball skills continued to develop, making him a truly unique prospect in the world of professional sports.

His decision point, which we'll get into, truly captivated the sports world, as he faced the choice between a promising career in Major League Baseball and a potentially legendary one in the National Football League. It's a rare situation for anyone, let alone someone with his kind of talent.

Personal Details and Bio Data

Here's a quick look at some key details about John Elway:

Detail	Information
Full Name	John Albert Elway Jr.
Born	June 28, 1960
Birthplace	Port Angeles, Washington
Height	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight	215 lb (98 kg)
College	Stanford University
NFL Teams	Denver Broncos (1983–1998)
MLB Draft	1979 (Kansas City Royals, 18th round), 1981 (New York Yankees, 2nd round)
Primary Sport Known For	Football (Quarterback)

The Diamond Dream: Elway's Baseball Path

Yes, John Elway absolutely did play baseball, and he was, in fact, incredibly good at it. His talent on the baseball field was, arguably, just as impressive as his football prowess during his younger days. This part of his story is often overshadowed by his football achievements, but it's a significant chapter in his athletic journey.

High School Prowess

Even in high school, John Elway was a two-sport phenom. At Granada Hills High, he wasn't just throwing touchdowns; he was also hitting home runs and playing a very strong outfield. He was known for his powerful arm, which translated perfectly to throwing a baseball with great velocity, and his natural athleticism made him a really good fielder. Scouts, you know, were already taking notice of his potential on the diamond.

His performance was so strong that he even caught the eye of Major League Baseball teams before he even graduated. In 1979, the Kansas City Royals actually drafted him in the 18th round of the MLB draft. This shows just how serious his baseball talent was considered, even then. However, he chose to go to college instead, opting to pursue both sports at Stanford University, which was, in fact, a very big decision for a young athlete.

College Star

At Stanford, Elway continued to juggle both football and baseball, excelling in both. On the baseball field, he played as an outfielder and, to be honest, he was a pretty dominant hitter. His raw power and ability to drive the ball made him a constant threat at the plate. He displayed a natural swing and a knack for getting on base, which is, you know, really valuable in baseball.

During his junior year in 1981, he had a truly outstanding season for the Stanford Cardinal baseball team. He hit .361 with 9 home runs and 50 runs batted in over 49 games. These are, in fact, very impressive numbers for a college player, especially one who was also a star quarterback. His performance that year solidified his standing as a top baseball prospect, making it clear that his future could very well be in professional baseball.

The MLB Draft

Given his exceptional college baseball season, it was no surprise that professional baseball teams once again came calling. In the 1981 Major League Baseball Draft, the New York Yankees selected John Elway in the second round. This was, you know, a very high pick, showing just how much potential the Yankees saw in him as a future star. Being drafted by a team like the Yankees, with their rich history, was a pretty big deal.

The Yankees, under the ownership of George Steinbrenner, were, in fact, very serious about signing Elway. They saw him as a truly promising outfielder who could develop into a major league player. They offered him a significant contract, and he even spent some time playing for their minor league affiliate, the Oneonta Yankees, in the summer of 1982. This brief stint in professional baseball gave him a taste of what that career path would be like, and he performed reasonably well, hitting .318 in 42 games.

A Fork in the Road: Choosing Football

Despite his undeniable talent in baseball and the New York Yankees' strong interest, John Elway ultimately chose a career in professional football. This decision was, in a way, one of the most talked-about moments in sports leading up to the 1983 NFL Draft. It involved, you know, some very high stakes and a bit of drama.

Yankees' Offer

The New York Yankees were, frankly, very eager to have Elway commit fully to baseball. They offered him a substantial signing bonus and a clear path to the major leagues. George Steinbrenner, the Yankees owner, was known for his aggressive pursuit of talent, and he saw Elway as a potential superstar. There was, in fact, a genuine belief within the Yankees organization that Elway could become a very good outfielder in the big leagues. They were, it seemed, ready to invest heavily in his baseball future.

He had a chance to go through their minor league system, learn the ropes, and potentially join a team that was, at the time, a perennial contender. The offer was, in short, a very tempting one for any young athlete with a passion for the game. It presented a clear, professional opportunity in a sport he loved and excelled at.

NFL Draft Drama

While the Yankees were making their pitch, the NFL draft was also looming. John Elway was, without a doubt, the top quarterback prospect in the 1983 NFL Draft class, a group that would become known as one of the best quarterback classes ever. The Baltimore Colts held the first overall pick, and they were very much expected to select him.

However, Elway had made it clear that he did not want to play for the Colts. He expressed concerns about the team's stability and their overall direction. This created, you know, a very public standoff. He even threatened to pursue his baseball career full-time with the Yankees if the Colts drafted him. This was, in fact, a very bold move, putting significant pressure on the Colts organization.

The Colts, facing this ultimatum, eventually traded Elway's draft rights to the Denver Broncos. This trade, which involved a significant package of players and draft picks, allowed Elway to go to a team he felt was a better fit for his career. It was, in some respects, a pivotal moment that shaped the future of both franchises and, of course, Elway's own path.

The Decision

Ultimately, John Elway chose football. His heart, it seems, was truly in the gridiron. While he loved baseball and was clearly talented at it, his passion for football, and the unique role of a quarterback, won out. The opportunity to be the face of an NFL franchise, to lead a team from the most demanding position in sports, was, you know, a very strong pull for him.

The decision wasn't easy, as he had legitimate professional opportunities in both sports. But he saw his future, quite clearly, in the NFL. This choice set him on a path that would lead to a Hall of Fame career, multiple Super Bowl appearances, and, eventually, two Super Bowl championships. It was, arguably, the right decision for him and for the Denver Broncos.

What Could Have Been?

The question of "what if" John Elway had chosen baseball is, frankly, a very fun one for sports fans to consider. It's a hypothetical that pops up quite often when discussing multi-sport athletes. His baseball skills were, after all, very real, and many people wonder just how far he could have gone in MLB.

Baseball Potential

Experts and scouts who watched Elway play baseball often spoke of his raw power and strong arm. He had, you know, the physical tools to be a very good outfielder. His hitting ability, especially his power, was certainly impressive for a college player. Some believed he had the potential to be a major league regular, perhaps even an All-Star, if he dedicated himself fully to the sport.

The Yankees certainly thought he had a future. They wouldn't have drafted him so high or pursued him so aggressively if they didn't see genuine potential for him to contribute at the highest level. His brief time in the minor leagues, where he performed well, also suggested that he could adjust to the professional game. It's almost, you know, a shame we didn't get to see his full potential unfold on the baseball diamond.

A Different Path

If Elway had chosen baseball, his career would have looked very different, obviously. He would have spent several years in the minor leagues, honing his skills and working his way up through the Yankees' system. There would have been no "The Drive" or "The Helicopter" plays, no five Super Bowl appearances as a player, and no two Super Bowl rings with the Broncos.

His fame and legacy would have been tied to a different sport, and perhaps a different city. It's hard to say if he would have achieved the same level of iconic status in baseball as he did in football. The quarterback position in the NFL is, in a way, uniquely high-profile. But it's clear he had the talent to make a real impact in either sport, which is, you know, truly remarkable.

Elway's Legacy: A Football Icon

While his baseball career was certainly a fascinating side note, John Elway's ultimate legacy is, without a doubt, cemented in the world of professional football. He became, in fact, one of the most celebrated and beloved figures in NFL history, especially in Denver.

Denver Broncos Success

After being traded to the Denver Broncos, John Elway quickly became the franchise quarterback. He was known for his incredible arm strength, his ability to extend plays with his mobility, and his knack for leading dramatic fourth-quarter comebacks. These qualities earned him the nickname "The Comeback Kid" early in his career.

He led the Broncos to five Super Bowl appearances during his 16-year career. For many years, however, Super Bowl victories eluded him. But his perseverance and talent eventually paid off. In his final two seasons, he led the Broncos to back-to-back Super Bowl championships in Super Bowl XXXII and Super Bowl XXXIII. These victories were, you know, a truly fitting end to a magnificent playing career, solidifying his place among the game's elite. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004, which is, in fact, the highest honor for a football player.

Beyond the Field

Even after retiring as a player, John Elway remained deeply involved with the Denver Broncos. He returned to the organization in 2011 as the Executive Vice President of Football Operations, and later as the General Manager. In this role, he continued to shape the team, leading them to another Super Bowl victory in Super Bowl 50. His influence, it's clear, extends far beyond his playing days, making him a truly enduring figure in the sport.

His story is a testament to dedication, talent, and making tough choices that define a career. It also highlights the amazing versatility some athletes possess, a bit like having different skills that can control their success at different times, as a matter of fact. You can read more about his baseball draft history here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was John Elway good at baseball?

Yes, John Elway was, in fact, very good at baseball. He was a highly touted prospect as an outfielder, known for his strong arm and powerful bat. He even played in the minor leagues for the New York Yankees organization.

Which baseball team drafted John Elway?

The New York Yankees drafted John Elway in the second round of the 1981 Major League Baseball Draft. He was also drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 1979 but chose to attend college instead.

Why did John Elway choose football over baseball?

John Elway chose football over baseball primarily because his passion lay with the gridiron. He also had strong reservations about playing for the Baltimore Colts, who held the first pick in the 1983 NFL Draft, and used his baseball option as leverage to