How long has it be since we have had a major two sport college athlete? Back in the old days it was not all that uncommon, but playing two sports in college seems to be going out of style. Everyone is specializing, going after the big money just as soon as possible.
Everyone that is with the exception of Jameis Winston who apparently is having a good time in college and plans on enjoying every moment of it, good for him.
It is refreshing to see a young athlete playing for the love of the game anymore.
By the time a lot of these kids get out of junior high school they are already on a very specific program with a very specific goal, get to the pros and make the big bucks.
Last year’s Heisman winner was partying hardy in the ‘Big Apple’ around this time of the year, Jameis Winston is playing baseball for the Seminoles. Of course, he’s a pitcher, what else would he be?
Not everyone is all that thrilled about ‘Famous Jameis’ playing baseball. His football coaches haven’t said anything but you can imagine the apprehension they must be feeling every time that Winston takes the mound. A few pro scouts are probably holding their breaths as well.
But this is not a sudden whim for Winston. He was actually evaluated and made a 15th round selection by the Texas Rangers in 2012, bet he’s sure glad that he didn’t go for that one! Winston has said all along that he would be playing baseball in the spring time, and here he is.
In his first official trip to the mound for Florida State this year, Jameis Winston recorded a save with just 20 pitches after being sent in to pitch the Seminoles out of a jam in the eighth inning and facing down the last six Purple Eagle batters.
In his freshman year with the Seminoles baseball team Winston was named a 3rd team pre-season All-American by Baseball America. He appeared earlier this season as a pinch hitter, but this was Winston’s first outing on the mound.
After the game the Heisman winner told reporters, “I just wanted to get out there and pitch. Obviously, I was excited and when they called down to the bullpen, I was ready.”
Seminoles head coach Mike Martin said, “I was very impressed with how he wasn’t affected by the situation. He was just enjoying his opportunities and really showed a lot of poise.”
Sort of like he did on the gridiron last season, hey coach?
