The journey from college baseball stardom to the pinnacle of professional success is a rare and remarkable feat. A select few athletes have etched their names in the annals of history by winning both the coveted College World Series and the prestigious MLB World Series. This article delves into the stories of these elite players, uncovering the triumphs, rivalries, and legacies that have defined their remarkable careers.

Unlocking the Dual Crowns of College and Pro Baseball

Sborz and Buehler: The Latest Additions to an Exclusive Club

Texas Rangers reliever Josh Sborz and Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler have recently joined the elite ranks of players who have won both the College World Series and the MLB World Series. Sborz, who led Virginia to its first-ever College World Series title in 2015, became the latest to accomplish this feat in 2023 when he closed out the Rangers' inaugural World Series championship. Buehler, a former Vanderbilt star, secured his second MLB World Series title with the Dodgers in 2024, adding to his impressive college accomplishments.

The Rocket's Dual Triumphs

Roger Clemens, one of the most dominant pitchers in MLB history, stands out as a familiar name on the list of players who have won both the College World Series and the World Series. Clemens, who was a standout for the Texas Longhorns in 1983, capped his college career by leading his team to victory in the College World Series. He then went on to become a seven-time Cy Young Award winner and a 24-year MLB veteran, winning his first World Series title with the Boston Red Sox in 1986 and adding three more with the New York Yankees.

The Back-to-Back Champion: Ed Sprague

Ed Sprague holds the unique distinction of winning back-to-back championships in both the College World Series and the MLB World Series. The Stanford third baseman first accomplished this feat in 1987 and 1988, leading his college team to consecutive CWS titles. Sprague then replicated his success in the professional ranks, winning the World Series with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1992 and 1993.

Tito's Dual Crowns: From Player to Manager

Terry Francona's journey is particularly noteworthy, as he has won both a College World Series and a big league World Series, but the latter came as the manager of the Boston Red Sox. Francona not only won the CWS with Arizona in 1980 as a player, but he was also named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament. Years later, he led the Red Sox to their first World Series championship in 86 years, breaking the "Curse of the Bambino" in 2004.

The Desert Trio: Bando, Monday, and Dyer

The 1965 Arizona State College World Series team produced a trio of stars who went on to win an MLB World Series. Sal Bando, Rick Monday, and Duffy Dyer all played pivotal roles in their respective professional teams' championship runs, with Bando leading the Oakland A's to three consecutive World Series titles in the early 1970s and Monday and Dyer contributing to the success of the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets, respectively.

The Ice Breaker: Jackie Jensen

Jackie Jensen, an outfielder for the first-ever College World Series champions, the 1947 California Golden Bears, later went on to capture a World Series ring with the New York Yankees in 1950. While his playing time in the World Series was limited, Jensen's achievement of winning both the College World Series and the MLB World Series paved the way for the many players who would follow in his footsteps.

The Scrappy Duo: Theriot and Fontenot

Ryan Theriot and Mike Fontenot, teammates on the 2000 College World Series champion LSU Tigers, both went on to have successful MLB careers, earning World Series rings with the St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants, respectively. Though they may not have been superstars, their versatility and clutch performances made them valuable contributors to their championship-winning teams.

JBJ's Long-Awaited Triumph

Jackie Bradley Jr., a standout for the South Carolina Gamecocks, won back-to-back College World Series titles in 2010 and 2011. However, he had to wait until 2018 to finally earn his own World Series ring, as he was left off the Boston Red Sox's roster during their 2013 championship run. Bradley's perseverance and eventual success serve as a testament to the dedication and resilience required to achieve the dual crowns of college and professional baseball.