Short Answer: Did Barry Sanders Play Baseball?
No, Barry Sanders did not play professional baseball. He was a standout high school athlete in both football and baseball and was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 1984 MLB Draft, but he chose to sign with the Detroit Lions after being drafted by the Lions with the second overall pick in the 1985 NFL Draft. This article breaks down the facts of his baseball involvement, the decision he made, and how it shaped his legendary NFL career.
Early Athletic Promise: Football and Baseball
Barry Sanders showed elite athletic ability from a young age, excelling in multiple sports. In high school, he was a star running back and also a power-hitting baseball player. His versatility drew attention from college football programs and Major League Baseball clubs. By his senior year, he was regarded as a top prospect in both sports, which set up a pivotal decision after graduation.
MLB Draft and Decision to Pursue Football
1984 Kansas City Royals Draft Selection
In the 1984 MLB Draft, the Kansas City Royals selected Barry Sanders in the 20th round. As a draft-and-follow offer, the Royals allowed him to enroll at Oklahoma State and play college baseball before signing professionally if he chose not to sign after being drafted. Sanders elected to play college football at Oklahoma State and kept his professional baseball options open. In the 1985 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions selected him with the second overall pick, and he signed a lucrative contract, ending any realistic chance of a baseball career.
Comparison of Draft Outcomes
| Sport | Draft Details | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 1984 MLB Draft, 20th round, Kansas City Royals | Draft-and-follow; did not sign |
| Football | 1985 NFL Draft, 2nd overall, Detroit Lions | Signed; launched Hall of Fame NFL career |
College Football at Oklahoma State
At Oklahoma State, Sanders focused exclusively on football and delivered one of the most decorated college careers in history. He won the Heisman Trophy in 1988, set NCAA records, and became a consensus All-American. His singular commitment to football in college reinforced his path toward the NFL and removed any realistic trajectory in professional baseball.
Life in the NFL and Hall of Fame Legacy
Barry Sanders spent his entire NFL career with the Detroit Lions, where he became one of the most prolific running backs of all time. He rushed for 15,269 yards, scored 98 touchdowns, and earned Pro Bowl selections in nearly every season. His decision to prioritize football over baseball preserved a legacy that remains unmatched in rushing excellence. Following his retirement in 1999, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004.
What If: Two-Sport Speculation
Because Sanders was drafted in both sports, fans often ask what might have been if he had chosen baseball. While it is impossible to know, the structure of the drafts and his contract with the Lions made a baseball career virtually impossible. His case is often cited in debates about two-sport athletes and the trade-offs between sports, highlighting how choosing one path can define a legacy.
Key Takeaways
- Barry Sanders was highly talented in both football and baseball in high school.
- He was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 1984 but did not sign.
- The Detroit Lions selected him with the second overall pick in 1985, and he signed immediately, committing to an NFL career.
- He played college football at Oklahoma State and went on to a Hall of Fame NFL career.
- He never played professional baseball.