WALTHAM, Mass. — Pat Connaughton is a rare breed: an athlete talented enough at two sports to play either professionally.
The Arlington, Mass., native was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles last year and flashed a 96-mph fastball in a brief stint with their Single-A affiliate. For now, though, Connaughton is choosing the hardwood over the pitcher’s mound.
After completing a pre-draft workout Wednesday with the Boston Celtics, he explained why.
“I had a great time in Aberdeen,” the Notre Dame product said of his introduction to Minor League Baseball. “I thought that down the road, whether it’s after a 10-year NBA career or whether it’s after a two-year NBA career, when I put my mind to baseball, I can succeed at it.
“But I wasn’t ready to give up one of the sports. I’ve been harping my whole life on that you can do two sports at the highest level to kind of be a role model for those kids that are pressured into choosing one. It would be kind of hypocritical of me to just be like, ‘Oh, by the way, there’s some money in baseball. I’m going to go do that instead.’ ”
Despite his plans of pursuing a basketball career, the Orioles used a fourth-round pick on Connaughton and signed him to a contract that included a signing bonus of more than $400,000. The O’s, he said, hoped he’d hang up the sneakers at the conclusion of his senior season with the Fighting Irish.
“The way the baseball draft works is if you don’t sign someone you draft in the first 10 rounds, you lose that slot money,” Connaughton explained. “So, I was very clear before the baseball draft that I wanted to go back to school to play basketball, so whoever drafted me had to know I was going to do that.
“I think both the Orioles and myself weren’t sure how far basketball was going to go. I think they were hoping it would end after college, and I think I was just playing it every single day like I normally do and just taking it day by day, because that’s the only thing you can do with two sports. I find myself here, and I’m excited to pursue the opportunity.”
One certainly could argue that major league success would be more easily attainable for Connaughton. He’s projected as a late second-round pick in the upcoming NBA draft and knows full well that he might have to settle for a free-agent or summer-league contract.
Only if he fails to latch on with an NBA team before next season will he consider a return to the diamond.
“I don’t think the draft is necessarily the do-or-die point for me with basketball,” Connaughton said. “I think I’ll be able to compete in summer league, I’ll be able to fight for a roster spot regardless of if I’m drafted or I’m not drafted. And then if I don’t make an NBA roster, I’ll consider baseball instead of going overseas. Having a business degree from Notre Dame, I think that would be the financially sound decision to make.”
Thumbnail photo via Mark L. Baer/USA TODAY Sports Images
