10 MLB stars and their educational degrees

Q: Which MLB players have completed their college degrees?

The article lists 10 MLB players who have successfully earned their college degrees while pursuing their baseball careers.

Q: What types of degrees do MLB players earn?

MLB players have earned degrees in various fields, including business, economics, and even challenging science disciplines.

Q: How does the education path for MLB players differ from other sports?

Unlike many sports where players typically attend college before turning professional, MLB players can start their careers directly after high school.

Q: What challenges do MLB players face in completing their education?

Balancing the demands of professional baseball with academic studies presents significant challenges for MLB players, making those who succeed particularly noteworthy.

MLB works differently compared to most other top sports when it comes to education. In many leagues, players usually go through college before turning professional. But in baseball, players can start their careers right after high school. Many talented prospects sign early and spend years developing in the minor leagues.

Because of this path, not many MLB players complete a full college degree. Only a small group manages to balance studies with the demands of professional baseball. That is exactly why the players on this list are so special.

Some of them studied at top Ivy League schools. Others earned degrees in business, economics, or even difficult science fields. A few handled challenging programs while also preparing for a career in baseball.

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These players are the prime example of how you can succeed both in the classroom and on the field.

From superstars to underrated players, each of them proves one simple thing. Learning does not stop just because you become a professional athlete.

10. Shawn Green

Shawn Green

Shawn Green came very close to completing his college degree before choosing professional baseball. He studied finance at Stanford University, which is known for both strong academics and sports programs. Even though he left early to join MLB, his time at Stanford showed his focus and discipline off the field.

On the field, Green built an excellent career as one of the top power hitters of his time. He hit 328 home runs, drove in 1,070 RBIs, and maintained a strong .283 batting average. He was known for his smooth swing and ability to deliver big hits when it mattered.

9. Shohei Ohtani

Shohei Ohtani

Shohei Ohtani took a very different path compared to most players on this list. He did not go to college. Instead, he graduated from Hanamaki Higashi High School in Japan and turned pro right away.

That decision worked out perfectly. Ohtani became one of the biggest stars in MLB history. He has won two AL MVP awards and had an incredible 2021 season, hitting 46 home runs while also striking out 156 batters as a pitcher. In 2023, he led the league with a 1.066 OPS.

On the mound, he has also been dominant, posting a strong record and a sub-3.00 ERA. His journey proves that you do not always need a college degree to reach greatness. His discipline and baseball intelligence speak for themselves.

8. Tommy Edman

Tommy Edman

Tommy Edman is a great example of someone who managed both academics and baseball at a high level. He earned a degree in Economics from Stanford University, which is known for its tough academic standards.

On the field, Edman has built a solid MLB career. He has a batting average around .258 and has stolen more than 115 bases. His defense is one of his biggest strengths, and he even won a Gold Glove award.

Edman shows that it is possible to succeed in both school and professional sports without compromising either.

7. David Eckstein

David Eckstein

David Eckstein was never the biggest or strongest player, but he made up for it with effort and consistency. He studied Business Management at the University of Florida, which helped shape his disciplined mindset.

During his MLB career, Eckstein hit .280 and collected over 1,400 hits. His biggest moment came in 2006 when he won World Series MVP with the Cardinals.

He was often overlooked, but his work ethic and smart approach to the game made him different.

6. Ross Ohlendorf

Ross Ohlendorf

Ross Ohlendorf brought serious academic credentials to baseball. He graduated from Princeton University with a degree in Operations Research and Financial Engineering, one of the toughest programs out there.

As a pitcher, he had a decent MLB career with a 29-41 record and a 4.07 ERA. While those numbers are not eye-catching, reaching the majors with such a demanding academic background is impressive.

Ohlendorf remains one of the few MLB players to come from Princeton, making his journey even more special.

5. Mark DeRosa

Mark DeRosa

Mark DeRosa combined his baseball career with an elite business education. He studied at the Wharton School, which is one of the top business schools in the world.

In MLB, DeRosa built a reliable career. He finished with a .268 batting average and hit 100 home runs. He was known for his versatility, playing multiple positions throughout his career.

That flexibility helped him stay valuable to teams, and his education later helped him transition into media work.

4. Ron Darling

Ron Darling

Ron Darling balanced academics and baseball at a very high level. He earned a degree in French Literature from Yale University, which is a rare choice for a professional athlete.

On the mound, he had a strong MLB career with 136 wins and a 3.87 ERA. His biggest achievement came in 1986 when he helped the Mets win the World Series.

After retiring, Darling became a respected broadcaster. His education clearly helped him succeed in that role.

3. Craig Breslow

Craig Breslow

Craig Breslow is often called one of the smartest players in baseball. He studied Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry at Yale University, which is an extremely challenging major.

He also had a solid MLB career, posting a 3.45 ERA and winning two World Series titles, which made him a reliable relief pitcher throughout his time.

After retiring, Breslow moved into front office roles, where his analytical skills became a big asset. His journey shows how science and sports can go hand in hand.

2. Chris Young

Chris Young

Chris Young followed the Ivy League route before reaching MLB. He earned a degree in Politics from Princeton University, which already set him apart.

As a pitcher, Young had a strong career with a 79-67 record and a 3.95 ERA. One of his biggest moments came in 2015 when he won the World Series with the Royals.

After his playing days, he moved into leadership roles in baseball. His education clearly helped him succeed beyond the field.

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1. Curtis Granderson

Curtis Granderson tops this list because of how he balanced education and baseball. He earned a degree in Business Administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago. What makes it even more impressive is that he completed his degree while already playing professional baseball.

On the field, Granderson had an outstanding career. He hit 344 home runs, drove in 937 RBIs, and made three All-Star teams. He was also known as a strong leader and a respected figure in the clubhouse.

Off the field, he became known for his community work and leadership. His ability to succeed in both academics and baseball makes him the perfect example for this list.

Final thoughts

Education is not always the main focus for MLB players, which is why these names stand out. Some went to Ivy League schools, while others studied business, science, or economics.

Players like Curtis Granderson, Chris Young, and Craig Breslow proved that you can succeed in both the classroom and on the field. Their stories show that talent and education can go together, and sometimes even make each other stronger.