Dave Winfield Was Drafted By Four Different Teams

Published on May 4th, 2024 1:44 pm EST
Written By: Dave Manuel


Dave Winfield was a freakish athlete.

The 6'6, 220 pound monster was talented enough to be one of just three men - himself, George Carter and Mickey McCarty - to be drafted by FOUR different leagues.

Winfield, who received a full scholarship to play baseball at the University of Minnesota, also played on the school's basketball team, where he was able to help the team win a Big Ten Conference championship.

Winfield, who was known for his hitting prowess in Major League Baseball (after all, he finished his career with more than 3,000 hits) was named the MVP of the College World Series in 1973.

Winfield won the MVP award - as a pitcher.

Like I said - Winfield was a phenomenal athlete who had size as well.

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In 1973, the San Diego Padres made Winfield the fourth overall pick of the 1973 MLB Draft.

Despite signalling his intention to focus on a career as a professional baseball player, this didn't stop teams in other leagues from trying to sign the generational athlete.

The Atlanta Hawks of the NBA drafted Winfield in the 5th round of the 1973 NBA Draft, while the Utah Stars of the ABA drafted Winfield in the 6th round of the the 1973 ABA Draft.

The Minnesota Vikings decided to take a shot at Winfield as well.

Despite NEVER playing college football, the Vikings drafted Winfield in the 17th round of the 1973 NFL Draft.

Four different leagues. Four different teams. That's how good of an athlete Dave Winfield was.

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Winfield's decision to focus on baseball was a good won, as he finished his career with 3,000 hits, 12 All-Star nominations and a place in the Baseball Hall of Fame.