Watch: Sidney Crosby narrates story of him and Jack Johnson getting kicked off their high school baseball team

By Ankit Kumar

Modified Mar 30, 2023 19:48 GMT

Sidney Crosby and Jack Johnson are two of the most well-known names in the world of hockey. However, before they became stars in the NHL, the two were teammates at Shattuck-St. Mary's, a prestigious prep school in Minnesota.

During their time there, they also played on the school's baseball team, but their stint on the diamond did not end well.

Crosby recounted how he and Johnson were kicked off their high school's baseball team when he appeared on Spittin' Chiclets on September 8, 2019.

Watch the video below:

According to Crosby, their last baseball game was a memorable one, but not for the right reasons. The game started out as any other, with players on both teams chirping and trash-talking. However, things took a turn when Johnson charged the opposing pitcher after he'd thrown several pitches that brushed his back.

Crosby, who was on deck at the time, watched in disbelief as his friend and teammate started throwing punches at the opposing player. Within seconds, two players were on the ground, and the benches had cleared. Crosby even admitted to having a "hockey mentality" and grabbing the catcher in case he tried to blindside Johnson.

According to Crosby, Johnson was thrilled with what had transpired. Meanwhile, Crosby was left shaking his head at the unexpected turn of events.

Of course, severe concequences followed. The school's athletic director informed Crosby and Johnson that they would have to sit out the rest of the baseball season. During an appearance on B/R Open Ice, Johnson said:

"The next day I had to turn in my baseball uniform, and I wasn't allowed to play anymore."

Sidney Crosby and Jack Johnson's successful NHL careers

While the incident is certainly an amusing anecdote from Crosby and Johnson's high school days, it also highlights the passion and intensity that the two players brought to the ice when they later became professional hockey players. Even in a different sport, Johnson's fierce competitiveness and willingness to stand up for himself and his teammates were on full display.

Sidney Crosby and Jack Johnson's short-lived baseball careers came to an abrupt end, but their success on the ice was just beginning. They went on to become two of the most talented and celebrated hockey players of their generation.

Sidney Crosby won multiple Stanley Cups, and Jack Johnson played for several NHL teams throughout his career.

Despite the baseball incident, the two remained good friends and even became teammates once again when Johnson signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2018. While they may not have had much success on the baseball diamond, Crosby and Johnson's talent and passion have made them hockey legends.

This NHL season, Sidney Crosby has scored 85 points in 74 games with 31 goals and 54 assists.