Diamonds In The Rough: Famous College Baseball Walk-Ons

Eric Karros remembers being among the 60 or 70 prospects for one or two walk-on spots on the U.C.L.A. baseball team. Karros, a talented high school player, took batting practice alongside a few wannabes who decided blue jeans were their best choice as uniform pants that day.

By COED Staff

Karros made the team, knocking the jeans-clad guys off the field. He was redshirted as a freshman, was a starter as a sophomore and was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1998, after his junior year. Karros began as a college walk-on and surprised himself a bit by climbing to the peak of his profession.

Karros is just one of many major league stars that have walked-on to their college baseball team. Others include Ozzie Smith, Ryan Hoawrd, John Valentin, and others. Read all about their story here.