A passing notion

The St. Louis Cardinals see a potential shortstop from Texas Christian University and sign him 86 years ago today, and bring him to spring training before sending him to the minor leagues.

The Cardinals foresee a rangy player in the middle of the infield, this 6-foot-2, 185-pounder from Temple, Texas.

Does not seem to matter to them that this would-be shortstop already has another job as they start the season by assigning him to Columbus in the Class AA American Association.

There, this player hits just .220 with a couple of doubles in 16 games before he is promoted to Rochester in the International League.

Does not fare much better there, either.

In fact, slightly worse with a .183 batting average in 37 games.

Just about then, the other job calls and the 24-year-old shortstop – a fellow named Sammy Baugh – returns to the National Football League for his second season as a quarterback with the Washington Redskins.

Already a star in the NFL after a 1937 rookie season in which he leads Washington to the championship while leading the league with 81 completions and 1,127 yards.

Baugh leaves pro baseball after just one season and goes on to a 16-year career in the NFL – all with Washington.

During those 16 seasons, Baugh builds a resume that includes another championship in 1942, four All-Pro selections, six Pro Bowls and a spot on the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s inaugural class in 1963.