Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson received a pleasant surprise on Wednesday afternoon, he was selected in the Major League Baseball Draft.
With the 1,169th pick (39th round) in the draft, the Texas Rangers drafted Patterson.
⚾️ or ?
— Michigan Baseball (@umichbaseball) June 6, 2018
#GoBlue https://t.co/CkGzjHpC6B
While Patterson hasn’t played baseball since high school, the Rangers took a shot at potentially landing his services someday, but for now and likely as a professional, Patterson’s title will be ‘quarterback’.
Patterson’s father said Shea was humbled and happy to be drafted, but a tweet sent out by Michigan Football’s official account made it clear who Patterson’s allegiance is to.
Shea Patterson has been selected in the #MLBDraft.
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) June 6, 2018
But we know he’ll be with us this season. #GoBlue | #ProBlue https://t.co/b3lUglJKtG
The reason the Rangers drafted Patterson isn’t for the immediate future, or in hopes of him working out as a legitimate baseball prospect. The Rangers are hoping he plays great at Michigan and becomes a star in the NFL. MLB teams love to bring a good athlete from another sport in for their spring training camp to create a buzz.
There is precedent in this regard. Johnny Manziel was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 28th round, Russell Wilson was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 4th round (who has now since been drafted by the Rangers and Yankees in the Rule-5 Draft).
Johnny Manziel's baseball card. (Via @SI_ExtraMustard & @hochman) #Browns #Padres pic.twitter.com/RNTqdUF2dw
— Glenn Moore (@GlennMooreCLE) November 18, 2014
.@DangeRussWilson attends @Yankees Spring Training! ⚾️ pic.twitter.com/1MblMcY3y8
— NFL (@NFL) February 26, 2018
No need to sweat over this draft pick, Michigan fans, but it’s an interesting story in early June.