Before The GOAT: Tom Brady's Untold MLB Draft Story With The Montreal Expos
When you hear the name Tom Brady, your mind immediately conjures images of Super Bowl rings, record-breaking passes, and an unparalleled career as the greatest quarterback in NFL history. His journey from a 199th overall pick in the 2000 NFL Draft to a seven-time Super Bowl champion is the stuff of legend. However, what many casual fans might not know is that five years before he ever donned a New England Patriots jersey, Brady was on a very different path, one that involved a baseball bat and a catcher's mitt. In a fascinating twist of fate, the future NFL icon was once a promising baseball prospect, so much so that he was drafted by a Major League Baseball team: the Montreal Expos.
This lesser-known chapter of Brady's athletic life offers a captivating "what could have been" scenario and highlights the extraordinary athletic talent he possessed long before he became a household name in football. It's a story that intertwines the destinies of a young, multi-talented athlete and a historic, albeit now defunct, MLB franchise.
The High School Phenom: More Than Just a Quarterback
Before he was leading game-winning drives on the gridiron, Tom Brady was a standout three-sport athlete at Junipero Serra High School in San Mateo, California. While his football prowess was evident, his skills on the baseball diamond were equally impressive, if not more so, to professional scouts at the time. Brady wasn't just a casual player; he was a serious prospect, primarily playing as a catcher.
Reports from those who saw him play paint a picture of a formidable baseball talent. He was described as a power-hitting catcher with a great throwing arm, possessing the kind of raw athleticism that catches the eye of professional scouts. His dedication and natural ability led many to believe he had a legitimate future in professional baseball. It was this combination of skill and potential that put him on the radar of MLB teams, setting the stage for an unexpected draft pick.
The 1995 MLB Draft: A Glimpse into an Alternate Reality
The year was 1995. Five years before the New England Patriots famously selected him 199th overall in the NFL Draft, a different kind of draft call came for Tom Brady. On June 2, 1995, the Montreal Expos, then a vibrant part of Major League Baseball, decided to take a chance on the young, 17-year-old catcher from Junipero Serra High School. He was selected in the 18th round, as the 507th overall pick in the 1995 MLB June Amateur Draft.
This decision by the Expos wasn't a mere courtesy pick. It was based on genuine interest and a belief in Brady's baseball potential. In fact, the Expos went to unusual lengths to evaluate him, bringing Brady to Candlestick Park to work out with their players. This was an uncommon move for a high school prospect, indicating just how serious they were about him. Former Expos scout John Hughes reportedly saw immense potential in Brady, even offering him a significant signing bonus to forgo college and pursue a professional baseball career.
Why Baseball? What Scouts Saw
So, what exactly did MLB scouts see in Tom Brady that made them draft him? It wasn't just his strong arm or his ability to hit. It was the complete package of athleticism, intelligence, and competitive drive that hinted at a future star. Scouts recognized his leadership qualities and his natural talent for the game. Had he chosen baseball, many believe he could have ascended through the minor league ranks and potentially made it to the big leagues.
The "what if" scenario is a popular topic among sports enthusiasts. What if Brady had signed with the Expos? What kind of baseball player would he have become? While we can only speculate, the fact that a professional baseball organization saw enough in him to draft him and make a serious offer speaks volumes about his athletic capabilities beyond the football field. He was not just a good high school baseball player; he was a legitimate prospect with the tools to succeed at the next level.
The Crossroads: Football or Baseball?
Despite the tempting offer from the Montreal Expos, Tom Brady faced a pivotal decision that would ultimately alter the course of sports history. He had committed to playing college football at the University of Michigan. The choice was clear: pursue a professional baseball career right out of high school, or continue his education and develop his football skills in college.
Brady chose football. This decision, made by a then-17-year-old, set him on a path that would lead to unparalleled success in the NFL. It's a testament to his foresight and dedication to football, a sport where he would eventually become the undisputed "GOAT." His commitment to Michigan was unwavering, and he would go on to have a successful college career before being drafted by the Patriots five years later.
This moment of decision highlights the unique challenges faced by multi-sport athletes. While some, like Deion Sanders or Bo Jackson, successfully navigated careers in both professional football and baseball, Brady's singular focus on football ultimately defined his legacy. It's interesting to note that Brady wasn't the only future New England Patriot drafted in the 1995 MLB Draft; four-time Pro Bowl safety Lawyer Milloy was also selected that year, showcasing the depth of athletic talent in that particular draft class.
Tom Brady and the Montreal Expos' Enduring Legacy
Tom Brady's connection to the Montreal Expos extends beyond a mere draft pick; it's a unique footnote in the history of both sports. With his retirement from the NFL, Brady holds a distinctive, somewhat bittersweet, record: he is the last active professional athlete to have been drafted by the Montreal Expos. The team, which relocated to Washington D.C. in 2004 and became the Washington Nationals, ceased to exist under its original name, making Brady's draft status a piece of living history.
His retirement, therefore, symbolically "closes the book" on a historic MLB franchise's draft legacy. The last active player before him drafted by the Expos was Ian Desmond, who retired a few years prior. This unique distinction adds another layer to Brady's already legendary career, linking him to a bygone era of baseball.
Brady's MLB draft story also serves as a reminder that many NFL stars had promising baseball careers. Notable examples include Russell Wilson, who played minor league baseball, and John Elway, who was drafted by the New York Yankees. This phenomenon underscores the transferable athleticism between the two sports, particularly for quarterbacks who often possess strong arms and leadership qualities.
Even today, Brady's brief baseball past continues to capture attention. In 2023, Topps released a "1995 Dream Draft Pick" card featuring Tom Brady in a Montreal Expos jersey as part of their Bowman Draft Baseball series. This card, marketed as his "first official baseball card," pays tribute to his days as a promising baseball prospect, seamlessly merging nostalgia with his unparalleled football legacy. It’s a fun nod to a path not taken, a tangible piece of the "what if" that continues to intrigue fans.
Conclusion
Tom Brady's journey to NFL superstardom is well-documented, but his brief yet significant foray into the world of professional baseball remains a fascinating side note. Drafted by the Montreal Expos in 1995 as a power-hitting catcher, Brady possessed all the tools to potentially forge a successful career in MLB. His decision to commit to football, however, set him on a different course, one that would redefine athletic greatness.
This story is more than just a trivia fact; it's a testament to Brady's exceptional athletic talent and the pivotal choices that shape a person's destiny. It also serves as a unique link to the history of the Montreal Expos, making Brady the last active professional athlete to have been drafted by the team. While we'll never know what kind of baseball career Tom Brady would have had, the one he chose certainly didn't disappoint. It's a compelling reminder that sometimes, the road not taken is just as interesting as the one that leads to GOAT status.
Final Summary
Tom Brady, renowned as the NFL's greatest quarterback, was also a highly touted baseball prospect. In 1995, the Montreal Expos drafted him as a catcher in the 18th round, impressed by his power-hitting and strong arm. Despite the professional baseball offer, Brady chose to pursue college football at the University of Michigan, a decision that ultimately led to his legendary NFL career. His unique draft status makes him the last active professional athlete to have been drafted by the Montreal Expos, a historical link that continues to fascinate fans and is even celebrated on recent baseball cards.
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