ShareThisIt's really not that uncommon for famous athletes to make position switches in their careers. Here are a few who come to mind.
Dale Murphy
The Braves great started off as a catcher, but every time he threw to second base, the ball ended up in centerfield. His dad told him, "Well, son, you never have to worry about anyone stealing centerfield on you.'' In 85 games as a catcher, Murphy had 17 errors and 31 passed balls. The Braves eventually moved him to the outfield, where he went on to win five Gold Gloves and become one of the franchise's great players.
Alex Rodriguez
In 2003, Rodriguez was the best shortstop in baseball. But if he wanted to play for the Yankees, he couldn't play short because they happened to have Derek Jeter. So A-Rod was willing to move to third for a chance to help the Yankees win another world championship or two. How's that working out for ya, A-Rod?
Cal Ripken
In 1982, the rookie Ripken played 94 games at shortstop and 71 at third. But for the next 14 seasons, Ripken played exclusively at short, even picking up two Gold Gloves. Then, in an effort to extend his career, he moved to third for his final five seasons.
Magic Johnson
Magic switched positions for one game. But what a game. The NBA star was already something of a freak, being a 6-8 point guard. When center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar sprained his ankle and could not play Game 6 of the 1980 NBA Finals against the 76ers, the Lakers decided to move the rookie to the pivot. Magic responded with a game for the ages: 42 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists to lead the Lakers to the title and win the series' MVP award.
Robin Yount
Another Hall of Fame baseball player who was an All-Star at two positions. The Brewers great was among baseball's best shortstops from 1974-84, making three All-Star teams. He then went to centerfield for the final nine seasons of his brilliant career, including 1989, when he was named the American League MVP.
Larry Brown
He was a member of the 1970s Steelers dynasty. In Super Bowl IX, where Pittsburgh won its first title, Brown, a tight end, caught a touchdown pass to ice a 16-6 victory over the Vikings. But after the 1976 season (his sixth in the NFL), Brown moved from tight end to tackle for the next eight seasons and was good enough to earn Pro Bowl honors in 1982.
Sergei Fedorov
At one time, the Russian center was the best player in the world, proven by his 1994 Hart Trophy, given to the NHL's most valuable player. In the late '90s, the Red Wings had a few injuries, and legendary coach Scotty Bowman moved Fedorov to defense. Longtime team executive Jim Devellano said, "I'm convinced if we left him there, he'd have won a Norris Trophy (for the NHL's top defender)." Even now, Fedorov, now a Washington Capital, plays a few shifts on defense.
Rick Ankiel
It's not unusual for a position player to become a pitcher early in his career. But you rarely hear of a pitcher becoming a position player. Babe Ruth is the best example. St. Louis' Ankiel is the latest. A promising left-hander until he mysteriously lost his control, Ankiel went back to the minors, worked on his hitting and became a solid player. Last season as a centerfielder, Ankiel had 25 homers and 71 RBIs, and is considered to have one of baseball's best outfield arms.
George Musso
It's common for NFL players to switch from one position to a similar one, such as from outside linebacker to inside linebacker or defensive end to defensive tackle. George Musso, who played for the Chicago Bears in the 1930s and 1940s, switched from offensive tackle to guard. We mention him because he was the first NFL player to be named All-NFL at two positions, tackle in 1935 and guard in 1937.
Kordell Stewart
He was nicknamed "Slash'' because the college quarterback was a quarterback-slash-receiver-slash-back in the NFL. Others made the switch from college QB to another position. Think Hines Ward. And ... perhaps someday, Tim Tebow?
(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service www.scrippsnews.com)
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