What would you like to do if you hit some of the most memorable home runs or earned several All-Star appearances? For J.D. Martinez, the answer is quite easy—pick up a paddle! After playing for more than a decade in the MLB, the 37-year-old slugger has already decided his retirement plans with a new interest: pickleball. Martinez had an impressive career in the MLB with more than 300 home runs to his name and an average of .289, 1,061 RBIs over 14 seasons, including 6 All-Star selections. Now, he is ready to call quits on a remarkable baseball career and switch to pickleball.

Although J.D. Martinez hasn’t retired yet, he has already signed an exclusive deal with JOOLA, a prominent manufacturer of pickleball and table tennis equipment. With JOOLA’s backing and guidance, Martinez will receive training and support to compete in several pickleball tournaments. He sees pickleball as more than just a hobby but a serious sport. “I see pickleball as a sport I’ll be involved in for the long run,” Martinez said.

However, this decision doesn’t come as a shock since Martinez had already hinted at how he still wants to play competitively after baseball. Being a free agent, J.D. Martinez has already begun his training with professionals. Martinez is all geared up to step into the pickleball world, and his desire for competitiveness is far from finished. If his career in MLB is any indication, he is expected to bring the same drive, determination, and success to the pickleball courts.

Baseball players switching careers—J.D. Martinez is not the first one!

When athletes retire from sports, the majority of them choose to hang up their boots and relax while reflecting on their careers. There are a few who stretch their range beyond the boundaries of just one sport and take on a different challenge! Among the few players are some iconic baseball players too. Bo Jackson, who achieved huge success in the MLB with the Kansas City Royals, chose to play in the NFL after his retirement. He donned the Los Angeles Raiders in the NFL. His dual-sport career was marked by a special status when he became the first player to be named an All-Star in both the NFL and the MLB!

Jackson’s legacy, symbolized by his “Bo Knows” ad campaign, continues to inspire athletes who dream of crossing sports boundaries. Deion Sanders is another electrifying athlete to play in the MLB, where he joined the New York Yankees and the Atlanta Braves. Moving on to the NFL, Sanders played for the Atlanta Falcons, the San Francisco 49ers, and the Dallas Cowboys. Being the only player to play both the Super Bowl and the World Series, he cemented his position as one of the most influential dual-sport athletes.

Sanders’ dominance in both sports made him a dual-sports icon, becoming one of the notable few athletes who defied expectations and carved out exceptional careers in sports they never fully played during the peak years. So what’s your take on J.D. Martinez’s post-MLB plans? Share with us below.