Grant Ressel
signs with the
Pittsburgh Steelers

According the the Pittsburgh Steelers team website they sign former Mizzou kicker and Jackson native Grant Ressel.

The 2007 Jackson high school graduate struggled his senior season in Columbia hitting on 9 of 16 field goal attempts, but missed a lot of playing time with a hip injury.

Grant was a first team All-American in 2009 and a 2010 Groza award semifinalist.

Pittsburgh holds its rookie mini camp May 4-6.

Former SIU running back Jewel Hampton signed a free agent contract with the San Francisco 49ers.  He joins former NY Giant Brandon Jacobs, another one-time SIU back, out west.

After transferring from Iowa Hampton was named the 2011 Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Year.  In his only season in Carbondale he rushed for 1,121 yards and scored 17 touchdowns.

SEMO Baseball Team Struggles

Top 10 MLB Players Homes For Sale

Looking for a new home?  I saw this at www.toptenrealestatedeals.com.
Happy shopping!

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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.

As these players prepare for the upcoming season or whatever is in store for those who are retired, they also have a lot on their plate off the field. For these ten current and former players hitting it big between the lines is very important, but striking a big deal off the field with their home sale is also part of the game.


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.

Adrian Beltre

Entering his second season in a Texas Rangers uniform, Adrian Beltre remains one of the best third basemen in the American League. He has gone over 100 RBI’s each of the past two seasons and was an All-Star in those two years. He will be entering his 14th MLB season with his fourth team. Beltre spent his first seven season in the majors with the Los Angeles Dodgers. His home in Bradbury, just 30 minutes outside of Los Angeles, is valued at $19.8 million.

The mansion is situated on 4.16 acres with 16 bathrooms and seven bedrooms. It is located in the gated community of the Bradbury Estates. This Mediterranean-style home has a circular driveway with a breathtaking entry-way consisting of a 35’ painted ceiling. The inside has a rec room with a batting cage. There is an eight-car garage, a private pool and a spectacular view of the city. The home also has a 2,500 square foot guest house with three beds and two baths. Outside, there are golf greens, a tennis court and a basketball court.

Jonathan Papelbon
After spending his first seven Major League seasons with the Boston Red Sox, Jonathan Papelbon is now entering his first season in Philadelphia with the Phillies. He was an All-Star four consecutive seasons from 2006-2009. He has 219 career saves and a 2.33 career earned run average, making him one of the most dominant closers over the past seven years. The four-year $50 million contract Papelbon signed over the winter means his home in Boston is up for sale. The $3.1 million pad on Beacon Street is located real close to Fenway Park.

This penthouse, located in downtown Boston is 2,500 square feet with marble and hardwood flooring as well as custom cabinetry. This four bedroom, three bath also has a nursery with two seats from Fenway Park included. The kitchen is filled with the finest appliances and copper fixtures. There is access to a roof, via an elevator where there are two deck tops. One of the decks has a hot tub overlooking the Charles River Basin and the downtown area.



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.

John Smoltz

This eight-time All-Star selection spent 20 of his 21 full seasons with the Atlanta Braves. He won the National League Cy Young award in 1996 and was a World Series champion in 1995. Smoltz began his career as a starting pitcher and finished his career with 213 wins. He also had 154 saves and a career ERA of 3.33. Smoltz is the only player in Major League history to top 200 wins and 150 saves in his career. He spent his final season with the Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals before retiring in 2009. His $7.2 million home in Milton, Georgia is now up for sale.

The mansion is set on 22 acres, and is a dream for anybody interested in sports. Smoltz loves to golf so there is a full 18-hole golf course in his backyard. There is also a baseball diamond, fishing pond, jogging trail, basketball court, football field and tennis court. Upon entry into the 18,265 square foot home, it only gets better. There are 10 bedrooms and 14 baths along with six fireplaces and an eight car garage. The views of the property from all corners of the house are outstanding.

Jamie Moyer

Not many 49-year olds find themselves in a Major League camp on the verge of making a big league squad, but that is what Jamie Moyer is attempting to do this year. Moyer is attempting a comeback with the Colorado Rockies, after missing last season with an injury. He made his major league debut in 1986 with the Chicago Cubs and has spent the last quarter century pitching in the big leagues with seven different teams. Most of his success came between 1996-2006 with the Seattle Mariners. Moyer’s estate in Seattle is currently up for sale and priced at $5.35 million.

This 7,100 square foot estate is set on nearly half an acre. There are seven bedrooms and five baths with three fireplaces. Built in 1933, the outside and inside of the home is brick. There are full length glass windows throughout and hardwood oak floors. The backyard is one of the highlights with a saltwater pool, bath house, croquet yard, batting cage and an outdoor pizza oven.


Nomar Garciaparra

With a .313 career batting average, Nomar Garciaparra is one of the best hitting shortstops in baseball history. He spent the majority of his career with the Boston Red Sox, before spending two years with the Chicago Cubs and three with his hometown Los Angeles Dodgers. He spent his final full season in Oakland with the Athletics. He grew up in Whittier, California and his childhood home is now up for sale. Priced at $595,000, this house has recently been put on the market by Nomar and his wife Mia Hamm.

This Spanish-style home is 2,200 square feet with three bedrooms and two baths. There is a vaulted ceiling with wood beams in the living room. The master bedroom comes equipped with a hot tub and two large closets. The entire inside of the house has recently been completely remodeled. There is also a guest house that has brand new floors and brand new amenities.

Reggie Sanders

Outfielder Reggie Sanders played for eight different teams in his Major League career, the bulk of which were for the Cincinnati Reds. He is one of only six players in Major League history to have over 300 career home runs and 300 career stolen bases. He is also the only player ever to hit 20 home runs with six different teams. He had a .267 career average with 983 RBI’s before retiring for good in 2007. His $2.195 million home is now up for sale in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The 8,000 square foot mansion has six bedrooms and seven baths. Built in 1999, the home is situated on an acre of land in a cul-de-sac of a gated community. There is a spa, waterfall and pool in the backyard. There is a bonus room on the inside with a wet-bar. Also on the inside is a master-chef kitchen and a beautiful den with cherry wood cabinets. It is a split floor that separates guest wings from the family section. The home has various Spanish-style columns and designs throughout the house.

Mark Teixiera

First baseman Mark Teixiera spent his first five seasons with the Texas Rangers . He has won four Gold Gloves, three Silver Sluggers and was an All-Star in 2005 and 2009. After spending five seasons with Texas, Teixiera was with the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for two total seasons from 2008-2009. He has spent the past two seasons with the Yankees. His estate has been on and off the market since he left Texas, but is now for sale and priced at $3.995 million.

Located inside of Vaquero Golf Club in Westlake, Texas, this lakefront estate is 8,554 square feet with five bedrooms and eight baths. Also inside the house is a large master suite with a gas fireplace, private patio and hot tub. There is a game room, wet bar home theater and two-level office. Right next to the main home is a one-bedroom guest house. Outside, there is a large patio area with an outdoor kitchen and gas fire pit. A large pool in the backyard tops it all off.

As these players prepare for the upcoming season or whatever is in store for those who are retired, they also have a lot on their plate off the field. For these ten current and former players hitting it big between the lines is very important, but striking a big deal off the field with their home sale is also part of the game.