Introduction
When we think of millionaire MLB players, names like Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, and Mike Trout come to mind. However, there’s one player who made over $44 million during his 17-year career and yet is not often mentioned in conversations about the wealthiest baseball players: Marquis Grissom.
His Early Life and Career
Marquis Grissom was born on April 17, 1967, in Atlanta, Georgia. He attended Lakeshore High School in College Park, Georgia, where he excelled in baseball, football, and basketball. After graduating in 1985, Grissom was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 3rd round of the MLB draft but instead decided to attend Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) on a full baseball scholarship.
Rise to Fame
Grissom’s baseball skills quickly caught the attention of scouts, and he was drafted by the Montreal Expos in 1988. He made his Major League Baseball debut in 1989, and by 1991, Grissom was one of the league’s most exciting young players. He helped lead the Expos to their first-ever playoff appearance in 1981 and was named a National League All-Star in three consecutive seasons from 1993 to 1995.
The Million-Dollar MLB Player
Over the course of his 17-year career, Grissom’s annual salary peaked at $7.85 million during the 2000 season, when he played for the Milwaukee Brewers. In total, he earned $44,112,000 in salary alone. But despite his impressive earnings, Grissom has remained relatively low-key and humble, avoiding flashy cars and extravagant homes.
A World Series Champion
In 1995, Grissom was traded to the Atlanta Braves, where he helped the team win a World Series championship that same year. He batted .317 during the World Series and was named the Most Valuable Player of the National League Championship Series.
A Multi-Talented Athlete
While baseball was Grissom’s main focus, he was also a talented football player. He played quarterback and wide receiver during his high school days and was offered a football scholarship to FAMU before deciding to pursue baseball instead.
A Family Man
Grissom is a devoted husband and father. He has been married to his wife, Trenna, since 1991, and they have three children together. Grissom’s son, Marquis Grissom Jr., is following in his father’s footsteps as a baseball player and was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2019.
His Philanthropic Work
Grissom is also committed to helping others. He has worked with several charitable organizations throughout his career, including Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. In 2016, he established the Marquis Grissom Baseball Association, a non-profit organization that provides baseball and softball programs for youth in underprivileged communities.
Conclusion
Marquis Grissom may not be a household name like some of his more famous baseball counterparts, but his talent and contributions to the sport cannot be understated. He may have earned millions of dollars during his career, but he has remained humble and committed to giving back to others.
FAQs
Q: Was Marquis Grissom ever named Most Valuable Player of the National League?
A: Yes, Grissom was named the National League Championship Series Most Valuable Player in 1995.
Q: When did Grissom win a World Series championship?
A: Grissom won a World Series championship with the Atlanta Braves in 1995.
Q: What other sports did Grissom play besides baseball?
A: Grissom also played football in high school and was offered a football scholarship to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.
Q: What charitable organizations has Grissom worked with?
A: Grissom has worked with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, among other organizations.
Q: What is the Marquis Grissom Baseball Association?
A: The Marquis Grissom Baseball Association is a non-profit organization that provides baseball and softball programs for youth in underprivileged communities.