Baltimore Orioles: Five players who could transition to the gridiron

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BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 24: The Baltimore Orioles mascot waves the American Flag during the seventh inning stretch against the Tampa Bay Rays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 24, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) /

It’s Superbowl Sunday, so today is all about football. But, we baseball lovers can’t forget about our beloved Baltimore Orioles.

So, in honor of the biggest football game of the year, let’s take a look at which Baltimore Orioles players would be the best football players.

As professional athletes, it’s safe to say that many of the Orioles actually threw a few passes, caught a few balls, and made a few tackles on the gridiron. And, looking at the physical state of the Orioles, a few could probably have an easy transition from the diamond to the gridiron.

I picked five players that would pass the eyeball test to move from baseball to football. These players have the size and the skills to pass, catch, run, or tackle. Keep in mind that my knowledge of football is limited, so I’m basing these choices on the few football games that I’ve watched over the years.

All of the players that I chose are currently on the team, but none of them are pitchers. I also only picked men who have a few years playing in the Bigs, no minor league players are on this list. Unfortunately, the Orioles do not have much speed on the team, so I could not pick a running back. It was hard to imagine any of the Orioles bobbing and weaving between defensive players.

I’ve always thought that baseball is one of the most difficult games to play, so the transition from baseball to football would be easier than the other way around.

This was actually a fun list to craft and hopefully, you agree with my choices. Feel free to share your thought in the comments.

This was one of the easiest decisions to make. Adam Jones has been catching balls in the outfield for more than 10 years. He’s got the moves and the sass to play the most stylish position on the field.

Jones has three Gold Glove awards, proving that he can make a catch from far away. And, considering how much the size of a baseball in comparison to a football, it is easy to picture Jones seeing a football.

While Jones doesn’t have much experience getting away from defenders, he’s a tough guy who could get a few yards with his speed. Consider that Jones has played in an average of 148 games in his decade with the Orioles, he should be able to withstand some pounding on the gridiron.

At 6’2 and 215, Jones has the size and weight to be formidable as a punt returner and wide receiver. He’s got good hands, an aggressiveness on the field, and the knowledge of the angles (which are pretty much the same as “routes” in football).

The only issue with Jones transitioning to football is the problem with bubble gum. He’d have to leave the gum behind in exchange for the mouth guard. We certainly wouldn’t want anything to happen to that grin of his.

The strong safety is a unique position that Trey Mancini could fill. I chose Mancini for this spot based on his size and skills. He’s 6’4 and 215 pounds. As an outfielder, he can run when needed to make a catch. But, he doesn’t have to cover ground like a free safety or a cornerback.

Mancini is a big guy and he’s got the quiet strength that would transition to the gridiron. He can catch the ball when needed and he looks big and strong enough to make a tackle when needed.

Mancini played a variety of positions in 2017, left field, first base, and designated hitter. He’s proven he can play a few roles, which is a bit like what a strong safety does. He would be able to act like a linebacker when needed and he could also be a defensive back when needed.

He can read a play in left field, so it would be easy to keep his eye on the ball on the gridiron. He’s not afraid to slam into the wall in left and that’s only wearing a baseball uniform. In football, he would only have to slam into other football players and that’s while wearing full pads. Easy.

I, for one, would enjoy seeing Mancini play a little football. As a finalist for AL Rookie of the Year, he has proven his athleticism. He also proved that he can be a team player with his 78 RBIs and willingness to play wherever Buck Showalter put him.

There is no doubt that Chris Davis would look fantastic in a football uniform. The guy is jacked. If he could stay healthy, he would be a great choice for tight end – no pun intended. While he’s at the smallish end of the range for a tight end at 6’3 and 230 pounds, he’s got the muscle to do the job.

It is clear that he is strong, but what could potentially be problematic is that he’s not the fastest gy on the team. Fortunately, the tight end does not have to run with the grace and speed of the wide receiver. Davis could most likely make a catch from a short distance like he does at first base. He should also be able to get a few yards down the field with the right people blocking for him.

He’s from Texas – where football is king – and according to an article by Mike Unger with Baltimore Magazine, Davis was the quarterback on his high school football team. He knows the game. Despite his experience as a quarterback, I’ve got someone else in mind for that spot. I want to see Davis catch the ball, not throw it at this point in his career.

According to Unger’s article and the appearance of Davis’s physique, he spends hours in the gym and eats a diet that is high in protein. He spends between four and six hours in the gym several days per week and works both his upper and lower body. Yup, tight end would be a good spot for him.

As the guy with speed and agility, Tim Beckham is the perfect choice for free safety. He stands 6’1 and weighs in at 205 pounds. That’s the perfect size for a free safety – and a cornerback. But, his speed makes the free safety position a better fit.

According to his Wikipedia page, Beckham played football in high school. The same page states that Beckham ran a 60-yard dash in 6.33 seconds. The kid can run.

As an athletic player, the free safety position is a good fit. As he has the ability to roam the field and get to the corners quickly. As a career shortstop, he has proven that he can get where he needs to be with serious speed. Considering that a baseball hit to a shortstop gets there incredibly fast, Beckham would be able to find and catch a football with ease.

Unfortunately, Beckham’s speed has not been tested as an Oriole. He only stole one base in 2017, but the entire team only stole a total 32 bases. Hopefully, Showalter will give Beckham the opportunity to show off his speed that helped him become the first pick of the 2008 draft. He had just graduated from high school.

Beckham’s got the attitude and ability that would make him a force on the gridiron. I, for one, would enjoy watching him make a tough catch and score a TD.

HOUSTON, TX – MAY 27: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles throws to first base in the fifth inning to retire Carlos Correa #1 of the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on May 27, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

This job is reserved for the guy with the cannon for an arm: Manny Machado. According to Baseball Reference, Machado stands 6’3 and weighs 185 pounds. I think the height is accurate, but he looks like he’s packed on some muscle since that number was added to the website.

Machado has more than proven he could launch a football with accuracy. The kid has gunned baseballs from third to first from his back and his knees. He has also done it while being completely in the air.

It’s Superbowl Sunday, so today is all about football. But, we baseball lovers can’t forget about our beloved Baltimore Orioles.

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