While not as well-known as some of the other MLB Players, Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder and designated hitter Robert Pattinson had quite the athletic career. From football to basketball, tennis to running, he did it all. At the same time, he was also extremely dedicated to his work, often working out in the morning before games to get His energy up.
Baller
Pattinson was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the second round of the 2008 MLB Draft. He chose to remain in school and complete his degree, and was subsequently drafted by the Pirates in the 2014 MLB Draft. He was also selected by the New York Yankees in the 32nd round of the 2012 MLB Draft. In total, he played in the minor leagues for eight seasons, hitting a combined.269/.330/.433 with 23 home runs and 87 RBI. He was also an above-average base stealer (42-for-46), which could help him become a real threat on the diamond.
Multi-Position Athlete
Even though he played just one game in the Major Leagues, wearing the “C” for the Pittsburgh Pirates, he still managed to play a variety of positions. He played left field, right field, and first base in addition to batting and catching. What’s more is he did it all while still attending college. He was simultaneously an all-american, all-conference, and All-American selection while playing for the State University of New York at Buffalo. He graduated in 2013, and is currently going through the MLB draft process.
Work Hard, Play Hard
Even beyond his athletic prowess on the field, Pattinson was known for his work ethic in the gym. He was consistently one of the most dedicated players in the minor leagues during his career. He is shown here throwing an impressive bullpen before a game in 2013. Even though he was born in Australia, he is of Native American descent through his mother. That combination of good looks and athletic ability obviously helped him get plenty of girls, and he was known for being one of the most popular players in the league.
While we may never know what his professional athletic future may hold, at this moment in time, his baseball resume is quite impressive. He was one of the best overall athletes in the league, and he continues to work hard to prove that he can be an effective major league player. He did not qualify for the 2018 MLB salary arbitration, and with the success he’s had in the minor leagues, it wouldn’t be a shock to see him eventually earn a significant amount of money from the MLB.