With Opening Day on the horizon, the biggest names in baseball are ready to depart Florida or Arizona, head north and get ready for the start of the regular season. The rigors of a 162-game season can be tough for anyone, but a bad real estate market can be a big strike out for athletes who are more likely to be moving on to other cities and homes because of trades, retirement, or finding a state with low taxes. Throw in the fact that most of these guys are young with multi-million dollar homes, selling that big fancy home can be as difficult as hitting a Mariano Rivera cutter.
For baseball players, hitting a home run is a lot easier on the baseball field than it is when it comes to real estate. Here are ten former and current players who are trying to hit a home run off the field, from TopTenRealEstateDeals.com!
Walt Weiss
This former Rookie of the Year, All-Star and World Series champion had a successful 14-year Major League career from 19887-2000. He played for four different teams and had over 1,200 hits. He spent the middle of his career with the Colorado Rockies from 1994-1997. His home in nearby Castle Rock, Colorado is now up for sale and valued at $3.999 million.
The highlight of this home is the large baseball diamond in the backyard and the indoor batting cage. With perfectly manicured grass and dirt around each base, Walt has a state-of-the-art ball diamond with a big league feel to it. In his backyard! The property is set on 73 acres and is 10,668 square feet. With multiple swimming pools, a full basketball court and a beautiful mountain view, this house is an outdoor delight. There are six bedrooms and eight baths along with a seven car garage. The batting cage on the inside of the home tops it off.
Barry Larkin
As the most recently inducted member into the baseball Hall of Fame, Barry Larkin had one of the best careers of any shortstop in baseball history. Larkin spent all 19 of his major league seasons with the Cincinnati Reds and was the first 30-30 (30 home runs and 30 stolen bases) shortstop in the history of baseball. He was a local kid, born and raised in Cincinnati. While he called Cincinnati home his entire life, Larkin currently resides in Orlando, Florida in a $10.9 million mansion that is up for sale.
This 14,500 square foot home is built on 2.8 acres on the amazing Lake Chase. The fun here begins outside as there is a lighted tennis court, outdoor basketball court, four-boat dock and a three jet-ski dock. There is also a full outdoor kitchen with a theater and fireplace. Moving inside, there are 13 bathrooms and six bedrooms. Among the activities on the inside is a disco lounge, private gym, pool, spa, full bar and a stage room. One of the best aspects of this house is the view of Lake Chase at sunset and nightly fireworks from Disney and Universal which can be seen from almost anywhere on the property.
Matt Cain
As one of the most dominating pitchers in the National League, Matt Cain helped lead the San Francisco Giants to the 2010 World Series Championship. He was an All-Star in 2009 and 2011. He made his Major League debut in 2005 at the age of 20 and has spent all six of his Major League seasons with the Giants. He has a career 3.35 ERA with 69 wins in six full seasons. His home in downtown San Francisco has a listing price of $1.795 million.
With floor-to-ceiling windows and some amazing views of the bay, this four bedroom and three bath home is 2,815 square feet. It offers a kitchen that has been completely updated along with a solarium. The home, built in 1968 is located in the Diamond Heights area and has been completely remodeled on the inside. However it might be too late to purchase this home. Several Bay area agents report that Matt has accepted an offer of $1.8 million for the home – $5,000 over the asking price.
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