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Russell Wilson throws out first pitch at Pittsburgh Pirates game

Wade-Peeryby:Wade Peery•04/19/24
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Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback Russell Wilson is one of the more well-known two sport stars that has been lucky enough to play two sports at the professional level. He was always a phenomenal baseball prospect growing up, even spending two years with the Colorado Rockies at one point. Wilson also played college baseball dating back to his days with the N.C. State Wolfpack, where he played second base.

On Friday evening, the Pittsburgh Pirates gave Wilson another taste of professional baseball at the MLB level, allowing him to throw out the first pitch.

Not only did Wilson toss out the first pitch with the Pirates, but he also took some batting practice reps.

Russell Wilson has an extensive history with baseball

And the baseball game might give Steelers fans some more info about their new QB. Did you know that Wilson used to be a coveted prospect by several Major League Baseball teams? The Baltimore Orioles selected Wilson, an infielder, in the later rounds of the 2007 MLB Draft. But Wilson turned down a $350,000 signing bonus to play both football and baseball for North Carolina State.

Then by 2010, the Colorado Rockies in the fourth round of the draft. Wilson did do two years in their minor league system. But he informed the Rockies that he would pursue football full time in 2013. However, that didn’t stop MLB from deleting him from their system.

The Texas Rangers picked up the future Steelers quarterback in the 2013 Rule 5 Draft. He made one-day appearances at spring training in 2014 and 2015. Then in 2018, the New York Yankees, using cash considerations, acquired Wilson from the Rangers. Although Wilson was firmly entrenched as the quarterback with the Seattle Seahawks, he celebrated being picked up by the Yankees. He grew up a fan of the Bronx Bombers and promised his dad he’d played for them one day.

And Wilson, after the trade from the Rangers to the Yankees, issued a statement about his dual-sport status.

“While football is my passion and my livelihood, baseball remains a huge part of where I came from and who I am today,” the quarterback said. “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.”

Circling back to Pittsburgh and the Steelers, Wilson displayed some good arm strength tonight with his first pitch. After all, he did pitch some when he was a second baseman at NC State. Back in 2010, he posted a 5.84 ERA over 12.1 innings of work.

The Steelers started Phase 1 of OTAs this past week.

On3’s Suzanne Halliburton also contributed to this article.