Braves Legend: Shawn Purdy
Last night, the San Francisco 49ers came back from the largest halftime deficit in NFL Conference Championship history as they clawed their way back from a 24-7 hole at the half to win the game 34-31 over the Detroit Lions. The 49ers will head to the Super Bowl in two weeks to play Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Purdy finished the game 20-for-31 throwing for 267 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Purdy was the LAST pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. He was Mr. Irrelevant. Athletic genes run in his family, though. If you did not know, his dad, Shawn Purdy, was a pitcher in MLB, spending time with the Atlanta Braves organization during his time as a professional baseball player.
Shawn Purdy was drafted in the 46th round of the 1987 MLB Draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates, the 44th round of the 1989 MLB Draft by the Kansas City Royals, the 26th round of the 1990 MLB Draft by the Oakland A's, and finally he was drafted in the 26th round of the 1991 MLB Draft by the California Angels.
Purdy had multiple different opportunities to start his professional baseball career as you can see but he decided to go to Junior College for two years (Valencia Community College and Indian River State College) and then transfer to Miami to play for the Hurricanes.
Purdy went on to have an eight-year professional baseball career lasting from 1991-1998. In the final year of his career, Purdy played for the Richmond Braves. At the time, Richmond was the AAA affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Purdy wound up being one of the best pitchers on that team as he finished the season 3-1 with a 1.83 ERA over 16 appearances. He struck out 20 hitters over 34.1 innings pitched.
If you are on the fence on who to cheer for during the Super Bowl, maybe this will help you choose the 49ers due to a former Braves player!
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