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J.T. Realmuto could have been a pro athlete in many sports, according to his former coaches

Related Topics: J. T. Realmuto, John Smith

When Oklahoma State wrestling coach John Smith went to his nephew J.T. Realmuto’s games growing up, he knew he was watching a future star.

Here’s the kicker, though: Smith rarely saw him play baseball. He believed the Philadelphia Phillies All-Star catcher would be a world-famous wrestler.

“If he would have chose wrestling, he would have been really good,” Smith said. “I think he would have wrestled at Oklahoma State someday. I think he would have been a national champion.”

Realmuto’s baseball superstardom started because of this choice. He was always an incredible baseball player –– probably the best in Oklahoma –– but he was also elite at three other sports: football, basketball and wrestling.