Before Brock Purdy became the starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, his predecessor Shawn Purdy found success as a pitcher in the minor leagues for the San Francisco Giants several decades earlier.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of Brock Purdy, one must delve into the athletic career of his father, Shawn Purdy, who excelled as a professional athlete well before his renowned son ascended to become a Super Bowl-winning quarterback.
In the NFL realm, understanding Brock Purdy necessitates delving into the athletic legacy of his father, Shawn Purdy, who forged a professional sports career long before his illustrious son emerged as a Super Bowl-caliber quarterback.
Prior to Brock’s tenure as the San Francisco 49ers’ starting QB, Shawn Purdy carved out a notable path as a minor-league pitcher within the San Francisco Giants’ organization, demonstrating a tenacious and confident demeanor akin to his son’s on-field prowess.
A close associate and former teammate, Chris Singleton, remarked on Shawn’s gritty work ethic, resilience, and unwavering commitment—traits that echo the descriptions often attributed to Brock’s approach to the game. Despite not meeting the typical physical stature associated with his position, Shawn, like Brock, possessed invaluable intangibles such as intelligence, toughness, fearlessness, and a resolute mental fortitude that undoubtedly contributed to his success.
Shawn’s legacy, defined by his dedication and perseverance, serves as a foundational influence that shapes Brock’s journey as he navigates the demands of professional football, carrying forward the familial tradition of excellence on the gridiron.
“I think there’s a lot of Shawn you see in Brock,” said former Giants general manager Bobby Evans, who was assistant director of player development in the 1990s. “Nothing rattles him. I don’t care what the situation is. He’s going to find a way out of it. That was Shawn’s approach on the mound. It shows a lot in the guts that Brock plays with.”
While Brock Purdy may have been dubbed “Mr. Irrelevant” as the final pick in the seven-round NFL draft, selected 262nd overall in 2022, his father’s journey in the baseball draft was an exercise in patience and perseverance. Spanning five years, Shawn Purdy endured multiple selections across various rounds: 46th round by the Pirates, 44th round by the Royals, 26th round by the A’s, and 16th round by the Angels—ultimately securing a contract after being chosen as the 428th overall pick out of the University of Miami. This narrative underscores the arduous path to professional sports, highlighting the resilience and determination embedded within the Purdy family lineage.
In contrast to football, where college players transition directly to the NFL, baseball draftees often endure prolonged journeys, spending years traveling on buses through minor league circuits before reaching the pinnacle of the sport. For Shawn Purdy, this path diverged from the NFL’s trajectory, as he navigated the challenges of minor league baseball without ultimately ascending to the majors. This disparity underscores the unique developmental trajectories and challenges faced by athletes across different professional sports leagues, highlighting the perseverance required to navigate the rigorous journey to the top.
“He had a nasty breaking ball and great stuff and unfortunately had some injuries that derailed things,” Singleton said. “If not for the injuries, he would’ve deserved a shot in the big leagues, and who knows? He might’ve done better than everyone thought and exceeded expectations, like Brock.”
The San Francisco Giants acquired Shawn Purdy from the Angels during the 1994 minor-league Rule 5 draft. He showcased his pitching talents for the Shreveport team during the 1995 and 1996 seasons before earning a promotion to the Phoenix squad in 1997. In July of that year, Shawn began to sense the possibility of a call-up to the majors, particularly after a visit from Dick Tidrow, who was serving as the director of player personnel at the time.
“All the guys were, like, ‘Shawn you’re outta here, man,’ ” Purdy said on a 2019 Sports Spectrum podcast. “I was, like, good Lord, they might be right.”
The landscape shifted dramatically on July 31 when the Giants executed a blockbuster trade with the White Sox, securing the services of three seasoned pitchers: Wilson Alvarez, Roberto Hernandez, and Danny Darwin. This trade influx instantly bolstered the depth of the Giants’ pitching corps, leaving little room for additional roster adjustments. The arrival of these veteran arms created a crowded competition within the team’s defensive lineup, altering the dynamics and roster considerations for both players and coaching staff alike.
“I was like, well that’s a wrap on that,” Purdy said.
The dynamics of the NFL landscape underwent a seismic shift on July 31 when the Giants orchestrated a blockbuster trade with the White Sox, acquiring three seasoned defensive players: Wilson Alvarez, Roberto Hernandez, and Danny Darwin. This high-profile trade not only added depth and experience to the Giants’ defensive lineup but also intensified competition for roster spots. Suddenly, the Giants found themselves with a surplus of talent in their defensive ranks, prompting strategic roster evaluations and adjustments by the coaching staff. The influx of veteran players reshaped the team’s defensive identity and raised expectations for the upcoming season, while simultaneously posing challenges and opportunities for both established players and emerging prospects vying for playing time.
“My agent called and said ‘I think you’re outta here in a couple days,’ ” Purdy said on the podcast, “and I was, like, ‘Well, I think I hurt my arm last night. I just felt a little something on a pitch.’ ”
Purdy found himself sidelined by injury. Despite attempts at treatment, including a cortisone shot, he ultimately underwent elbow surgery. Rehabilitation efforts followed, but at the age of 29, the realization dawned that a new chapter beckoned. As his agent fielded offers for the upcoming season, Shawn Purdy, alongside his wife Carrie, welcomed their first child, Whittney, with the anticipation of Brock’s arrival adding to their joy. Amidst these life changes and the prospect of starting a new business, Purdy made a pivotal decision: to prioritize his role as a father. Embracing the opportunity to be present for his growing family, he opted to transition away from professional sports, affirming, “I was, like, you know what? Time to be a big-league dad, and that was the path I chose. I don’t regret it.” This poignant choice reflected his commitment to family and marked a significant shift in focus from the gridiron to fatherhood.
In 1999, just one year after Shawn Purdy’s retirement from professional sports, Brock entered the world. By this time, the Purdy family had established roots in Arizona, where Brock would spend his formative years. Following in his father’s athletic footsteps, Brock initially gravitated towards baseball. During his freshman and sophomore years at Perry High School in Gilbert, Ariz., he showcased his talents on the baseball diamond. However, as his high school journey progressed, Brock made the decision to shift his focus solely to football, relinquishing his passion for baseball in pursuit of gridiron success.
It’s a familiar sight to witness Brock executing passes from various arm angles—a skill he attributes to his background as a middle infielder in baseball. Reflecting on his multi-sport experience, Brock emphasized its impact on his quarterbacking abilities, particularly in navigating the quick pace of the game and adeptly maneuvering throws around defensive linemen. His proficiency in adapting his throwing technique stems from the nuanced mechanics honed during his time on the baseball field, showcasing his versatility and adaptability as a quarterback. This cross-sport influence underscores the value of diverse athletic experiences in shaping Brock’s success on the NFL stage, serving as a testament to the symbiotic relationship between different sports disciplines in enhancing overall performance.
Singleton, hailing from Martinez and a graduate of Pinole Valley High School, shared the field with Shawn Purdy during their time together at Shreveport in 1996. Purdy showcased his pitching prowess with an impressive 3.10 ERA across a team-leading 54 appearances, while Singleton boasted a team-high batting average of .298. Their camaraderie flourished as they bonded as teammates on the road, forging a strong connection that endured beyond their time together on the field. Despite never again playing on the same team, their friendship persisted, anchored by a shared faith that continues to unite them.
“Coming out of high school, he was a great player but really got overlooked in a lot of ways despite his accomplishments,” Singleton said. “His size always was a knock against him, but the kid could play, and it’s been fun to watch this storybook career play out.
“Hat’s off to Brock. With his focus and determination, he probably could’ve been a really good baseball player as well.”
The narrative of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes hailing from a baseball family is widely documented, with his father, Pat, boasting an 11-year career as a pitcher in the majors. As Brock Purdy emerges as a Super Bowl-caliber quarterback, it’s fitting to shine a spotlight on his father’s baseball legacy as well. Just as the Mahomes family’s baseball background adds depth to Patrick’s story, acknowledging Shawn Purdy’s athletic journey in baseball enriches the narrative of Brock’s ascent to NFL prominence. This recognition celebrates the diverse athletic lineage that shapes the trajectories of NFL stars, underscoring the multifaceted influences that contribute to their success on the field.
Still amazed at what you can discover on Facebook! Shawn Purdy lived across the street from my family in Miramar,FL in the 70’s. I’m naturally going to support Brock in his climb to win the Super Bowl. Good luck to the 49’rs!