Long before he was an NFL player and eventually the head coach of the Detroit Lions, Dan Campbell played baseball when he was younger. However, Campbell stopped playing long ago, and for good reason.
The subject of baseball came up during Campbell's Tuesday media availability as the Detroit Tigers' playoff game against the Houston Astros was playing on a television off to the side.
That prompted Campbell to tell a story about how he had gotten a game-winning hit in Little League, only to have it erased because he carried the bat with him to first base. That, Campbell says, was the end of his baseball career.
“Last time I remember playing baseball, we’re in the playoffs,” Campbell said. “I don’t even know what you’d call it. It’s not from my school. It’s league baseball. And it’s the classic base-loaded, two-strikes, the whole deal. I hit a grand slam for the win. And right before I do, I hear somebody behind me, and he says, ‘Hold on. Hold on.’ And I swing, and I carry my bat to first base. Get to the first base coach and go around. Well, their coach argues I can’t carry the bat to first base. And the umpire agrees, and we lose the freaking game. I was like, ‘I hate this sport.’ Anyway, last time I ever played. But I’m rooting for the Tigers.”
DC tells us a great story from his Little League days pic.twitter.com/DGchJpB429
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) October 1, 2024
I have to admit, I played baseball my entire childhood and never heard of such a rule. That said, it also never occurred to me to carry the bat with me to first base, so that's probably why.
Considering how big he is, Campbell would've been a serious power hitter had he stuck with baseball, although it's certainly understandable why he didn't after hearing that story. I'd never want to touch a baseball after that, either.
Despite the brutal finish to his baseball career, things worked out just fine for Campbell. Not only did he have a 10-year career in the NFL, he's also the head coach of a team primed to do big things in 2024.
