Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael Griffin
When you think about it, baseball players — and professional athletes as a whole — have a fairly short career on the field. They can produce at a high level for up to 20 years. Then it’s time to retire. Many of them stay in the game as a coach or manager. Others … they have a different itch that they need to scratch. Here are 12 players who found themselves performing in a completely different situation.
Don't lose this article. Enter your email below, and I'll send it to you right now. Plus, we'll send you other unbelievable stories from baseball's past.
From Yankees Centerfield to Jazz Guitar: Bernie Williams’ Grammy-Nominated Sound
Bernie Williams once commanded attention from Yankee fans with his sweet swing. Now, he has them, and other music fans listening to him playing his guitar. He’s no slouch, earning Grammy nominations for his smooth jazz albums. His fingers, once calloused from countless swings, now fly over fretboards, making sweet music.
Dodgers Slugger to Tech Entrepreneur: Shawn Green’s Digital Home Run
Shawn Green mashed 328 big-league homers, but his post-baseball game is at the keyboard. He co-founded Greenfly, a software company connecting brands and athletes. Retiring early allowed him to spend more time with his children while pursuing a new passion that provided a stable home life.
From Being Slapped By A-Rod to Making Music that Slaps: Bronson Arroyo’s Stage Life
Bronson Arroyo once took a slap from A-Rod in the ALCS, but now he’s the one delivering the hits—on stage. Arroyo fronts his own rock band, trading high socks and curveballs for ripped jeans and power chords, proving you can go from Fenway’s mound to making music that truly slaps.
Slugger to Real Estate Mogul: Mo Vaughn’s Affordable Housing Mission
Mo Vaughn used to send baseballs into orbit over Fenway’s Green Monster—now he’s helping families find homes. As co-founder of Omni New York LLC, Vaughn revitalizes affordable housing in underserved communities, turning his power from the batter’s box to the boardroom.
From the Pitcher’s Mound to the Senate Floor: Jim Bunning’s Political Power Play
Jim Bunning pitched a perfect game and then pitched ideas in Congress, serving as a U.S. Senator from Kentucky. His windup and delivery translated to the Capitol floor, where he became one of the rare Hall of Famers to trade a uniform for a suit—and still throw some serious heat.
Cubs Leadoff to Ivy League: Doug Glanville, Acclaimed Professor
Speedy outfielder Doug Glanville now calls on students in the classroom instead of arguing with umpires, teaching at the University of Pennsylvania. His lectures are packed with stats, strategy, and stories from the bigs—a syllabus straight out of Wrigley Field’s ivy-covered dreams.
Big Unit Behind the Lens: Randy Johnson’s Photography Career
Randy Johnson once terrified hitters with a 100-mph fastball; now he captures wild sights through a telephoto lens. The Hall of Famer is a professional photographer, shooting rock concerts, wildlife, and ballgames—proving a 6’10” frame works just as well behind the camera as it did on the mound. Ironically, his logo is a dead bird, a callback to when he hit one during Spring Training.
Yankees Phenom to Card Streamer: Phil Hughes’ YouTube Card Breaks
Phil Hughes once hurled fastballs for the Yankees and Twins—now he’s opening rare baseball card packs live on YouTube for thousands of fans. With his sharp wit and collector’s eye, Hughes has become a cult favorite in the booming sports card streaming world.
From Throwing Killer Curves to Writing Great Song Hooks: Barry Zito’s Nashville Journey
Barry Zito baffled hitters with his curveball—now he charms audiences with his songwriting. The former Cy Young winner traded his glove for a guitar in Nashville, penning heartfelt tunes and performing on stage, proof that a great hook isn’t just for the mound.
From Pitcher’s Mound to Outfield to Coach: Rick Ankiel’s Triple Transformation
Rick Ankiel’s story is baseball legend—once a flame-throwing pitcher, then a powerful outfielder, and now a mental skills coach. His journey through triumph, adversity, and reinvention inspires anyone who’s ever had to change their game plan midstream.
From Hawk to Hearse: Andre Dawson’s Helping People Round the Bases One Last Time
Andre “The Hawk” Dawson now offers comfort instead of clutch hits, running a funeral home in Florida with his wife. It’s a calling rooted in compassion; the man who once soared in Wrigley’s outfield now helps families round life’s final base with dignity and care.
Miracle Met to Master Vintner: Tom Seaver’s Napa Valley Vineyard
Tom Seaver, the man many consider to be the greatest right-handed pitcher of all time, swapped his spikes for pruning shears and became a Napa Valley winemaker. His vineyard produced award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon, proving “Tom Terrific” had just as much control over a grape harvest as he did his fastball.
Cy Young to Color Commentary: John Smoltz’s Announcer Ascent
John Smoltz, the only pitcher with both 200 wins and 150 saves, is now calling the action on the field. His recent experience on the mound gives him a keen insight into pitching strategy, which he regularly shares with the audience.