Sports Figures in Santa Costumes

With Christmas upon us, here's a look at sports figures through the years dressed as Santa Claus, also known as Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas and Kris Kringle. From Babe Ruth in 1947, to Patriots’ coach Bill Belichick and NBA players over the years, these stars have certainly embraced the holiday spirit.

Athletes in Santa Costumes

David Wells, 1998

Michael O’Neill for Sports Illustrated

New York Yankees pitcher David Wells pitched a perfect game in May 1998, a feat Sports Illustrated called one of the year’s “bountiful gifts delivered to sports fans.” 

Bill Belichick, 2007

Peter Gregoire/Sports Illustrated

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was featured on the cover of Dec. 22, 2007 issue of Sports Illustrated, dressed up in a full Santa suit. 

Babe Ruth, 1947

Allsport/Getty Images

Dressed as Santa Claus on Dec. 17, 1947, Babe Ruth is pictured with a three-year-old boy on his knee at a Christmas Party in New York City. Rating

Allen Iverson, 2005

Ray Amati/NBAE via Getty Images

Alan Iverson handed out presents to children from the Community Education Alliance of West Philadelphia at the Sixers' practice facility in Philadelphia in December 2005.

Paul Pierce, 2016

Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images

While playing for the Clippers, Paul Pierce and his foundation, The Truth Fund, hosted a holiday party for families in 2016.

Joe DiMaggio

Sports Studio Photos/Getty Images

Joe DiMaggio is pictured with his newborn son, dressed as Santa Claus.

Lawrence Roberts, 2004

Michael J. LeBrecht II/1Deuce3 Photography/Sports Illustrated

Mississippi State University senior forward Lawrence Roberts posed with Santa Claus and was wrapped in Christmas lights for the Nov. 17, 2004 cover. 

DeMarcus Cousins, 2013

Rocky Widner/NBAE/Getty Images

A Santa-clad DeMarcus Cousins treated 100 kids to a holiday shopping spree at a Walmart in Sacramento, Calif., in December 2013. 

Evander Holyfield, Don King and Lennox Lewis, 2013

Neil Leifer/Sports Illustrated

Promoter Don King (center) dressed as Santa Claus poses with Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis for a festive photoshoot at Madison Square Garden in 2013.

Nate Robinson, 2014

Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE/Getty Images

While with the Denver Nuggets, Nate Robinson visited kids and posed for a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Vickers Boys & Girls Club during the NBA "Season of Giving" in 2014.

Russell Westbrook, 2015

Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE/Getty Images

During his Why Not? Foundation Holiday Party in Oklahoma City on December 18, 2015, Russell Westbrook handed out bags of gifts to children.

Paul Pierce, 2016

Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images

Pierce got into the Santa spirit while at his foundation’s holiday party in Los Angeles in 2016.