“That Ended My Baseball Career”: Wayne Gretzky Once Turned Down a Massive MLB Offer After His Father ‘Grabbed the Pen’

Ever imagined which sport Wayne Gretzky would have played if not ice hockey? It is impossible to imagine Gretzky playing any other sport. But as shocking as it may sound, once the NHL GOAT was just a “sign” away from becoming an MLB star. However, if his father Walter Gretzky, had not interfered at the right time, the NHL would have suffered a big loss.

How? Well, the legend himself narrated the story once.

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In 2021, Gretzky had featured on an episode of “The Steam Room” podcast. During this candid discussion with hosts Ernie and Charles, “The Great One” talked about his past, present, and future related to the NHL and his personal life. He also mentioned his love for baseball and how his son Ty, is named after legendary baseballer Ty Cobb.

Thus, when the hosts asked him how he developed a liking for the sport, Gretzky recalled a funny incident from his childhood. While describing his love for the game, Gretzky said, “From when I grew up, I don’t know I was one of those kids in April, I threw my hockey equipment in the basement, and I couldn’t wait to play baseball. And in those days, the Blue Jays and the Expos were just starting to make traction in Canada.”

However, Gretzky was mesmerized by the game and almost grabbed the opportunity to play in the big league. Narrating the incident, the GOAT said, “In those days Canada wasn’t a part of the drafts. Paul Beeston was a president of a baseball club at that time. He came to my house he offered me a $150,000 signing bond, I was 16 years old. I was about to sign, and my dad grabbed the pen and said, ‘You coming back to tenth grade,’ and that ended my baseball career,” the legend laughed.

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If the legendary Walter Gretzky had not stopped his son from signing the baseball club deal that day, it would have been a huge loss for the NHL and a great gain for the MLB. However, this was not the only time Gretzky talked about being a baseball player.

Hockey fans must be grateful to Gretzky’s father

Although Gretzky has immense love and dedication for ice hockey, as a child, he always loved baseball more. Besides, “The Steam Room podcast”, the NHL legend confessed his love for baseball on many other occasions.

Growing up, Gretzky was a multi-sport player and participated in lacrosse, distance running, marathons, and many other sports. But among all these, hockey player loves baseball the most. Gretzky was a big Detroit Tigers fan and wanted to play for the team. However, it was Gretzky’s father Walter, who always reminded him that he would become an ice hockey player.

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Luckily Gretzky listened to his father’s advice, and the NHL gained its GOAT.