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Deion Sanders notably enjoyed a stellar career in two major professional sports leagues in the United States: the NFL and MLB. He was also lucky to play at the highest stage in baseball and football, appearing at the Super Bowl twice and the World Series once.
The Colorado head coach won the Super Bowl on the two occasions he made appearances with the San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys. However, when it comes to the World Series, the pinnacle of MLB success, Sanders did not taste victory.
Nonetheless, Deion Sanders left an indelible mark in the two sports, earning the nickname "Prime Time" during his playing days. His ability to juggle the two sports right from his college days showcases his exceptional versatility, athleticism and work ethic.
Deion Sanders' baseball career
Deion Sanders played part-time baseball for nine years, participating in 641 games as a left and center fielder across four different teams. During his baseball playing days, he played for the New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds and San Francisco Giants.
Although initially selected by the Kansas City Royals in the sixth round of the MLB 1985 draft, Sanders chose not to sign with the team. However, in the 1988 draft, Deion Sanders was picked by the New York Yankees in the 30th round and agreed to a deal.
Sanders's best season in the MLB came in 1992 when he was with the Atlanta Braves. He hit .275 with 14 home runs and 59 RBIs for the Braves. He also led the National League with 39 stolen bases. The Braves reached the World Series that year but lost to the Toronto Blue Jays.
Overall, Sanders's career batting average in the MLB was .263. He had 558 hits, 39 home runs, 168 RBIs and 308 runs scored. Coach Prime also had 186 stolen bases.
Sanders admits baseball is the hardest sport he played
While he had an NFL career that landed him the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Deion Sanders believes baseball is the hardest sport he participated in. He admitted struggling to master the sport during his playing days but loved the challenges it brought:
"That ball does some things to you. Any sport that you can fail seven out of 10 times and become great and make $2-300 million in it, that's a hard sport. … I love challenges, and I could not master it. And it frustrated me because I hate to lose, and I hate that I'm not mastering something that I know if I just had more time, I could."
Sanders couldn't record as much success in the MLB as he did in the NFL. However, he will forever be remembered as one of the most electrifying athletes to have ever graced both the NFL and MLB. "Prime Time" leaves an enduring impression in both leagues.
