4 popular actresses who are married to baseball players ft. Vanessa Hudgens, Kate Upton & more
Professional MLB players earn an immense fan following throughout their playing careers and beyond. Those who succeed in the league often cement themselves as among the most popular figures in the U.S.
Many of these players are married to people who match, or even outshine, them in terms of global stardom. On that note, here's a look at four wives of MLB players who are popular personalities in the TV and film industry.
4 popular MLB actresses who are married to baseball stars
#1 Vanessa Hudgens (wife of Cole Tucker)
Vanessa Hudgens started her acting career in the TV series, 'Still Standing' (2002), and continued to build her resume in several other shows, until getting her breakthrough in the popular series, High School Musical. She also appeared on the silver screen with Hollywood icons like Nicolas Cage in 'The Frozen Ground' and Will Smith' in 'Bad Boys for Life.'
She met Cole Tucker, then a Pittsburgh Pirates rookie, over a Zoom meditation session led by Jay Shetty, a British author and lifestyle guide, back in 2020. Tucker and Hudgens carried their conversation to Instagram, and in February 2023, they got engaged by the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris.
In December 2023, the actress exchanged vows with Tucker in Tulum, Mexico. The couple confirmed the news about them being parents on July 4, just a day after paparazzi captured them leaving the hospital with their baby.
#2 Kate Upton (wife of Justin Verlander)
An actress, a model, and an entrepreneur, Kate Upton is a woman of many talents. The SI Swimsuit model also has a career in the film industry. Following her Rookie of the Year win in the 2011 SI Swimsuit Issue, Upton made her debut in Hollywood with Brett Ratner’s 'Tower Heist,' sharing the screen with Eddie Murphy and Ben Stiller.
While previously prioritizing her modeling career, Upton returned to making romantic comedy films like 'The Other Woman' in 2014, and after three years, starred in 'Adult Interference.' She was cast in Lije Sarki’s 'Sweet Dreams' earlier this year.
In December 2017, Kate Upton married the Houston Astros’ All-Star pitcher, Justin Verlander. The couple welcomed their daughter, Genevieve Upton, the following year. Currently, Upton is focused on promoting her beverage brand ‘Vosa Spirits’ and hosting Hulu’s new show 'Dress My Tour.'
#3 JoAnna Garcia Swisher (wife of Nick Swisher)
From a small role in 'Superboy '(1992) to fans' favorite ‘Maddie Townsend’ in the popular TV series 'Sweet Magnolias,' JoAnna Garcia has been in the TV and film industry for more than three decades now. She has appeared in several television programs like 'Reba' (2001-07), 'Privileged' (2008-09), and 'Once Upon a Time' (2013-18). She has also starred in movies in between.
Garcia appeared in 'American Pie 2' (2001), 'A-List' (2006), 'The Internship' (2013), 'As Luck Would Have It' (2021), and most recently Clare Niederpruem’s 'Christmas with the Campbells' in 2022. She will be part of the latest season of Netflix's romantic comedy 'Sweet Magnolias,' scheduled to be released by the end of the year.
Garcia is married to former New York Yankees star Nick Swisher. They have two children, Emerson and Sailor. She met Nick through a friend and they immediately connected. In 2010, the couple got engaged and exchanged vows in the same year. Swisher is now a special advisor for the Yankees, while JoAnna Garcia continues her career in acting.
#4 Hannah Jeter (wife of Derek Jeter)
Hannah Jeter enjoys a successful career both in the TV/film and fashion industry. Her credits include the series 'Extra' (2014-17), 'Hollywood Game Night' (2016), and 'Rush' (2009-10). She also appeared in Jonathan Goldstein’s movie 'Vacation' (2015). She was featured in 2015 on Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Magazine cover.
In 2016, Hannah married Derek Jeter, the former Yankees captain, after four years of dating. They share four children, daughters Bella Raine, Story Grey, River Rose, and son Kaius.