The Seattle Mariners Double-A affiliate, the Arkansas Travelers, recently recognized one of the greatest athletes the state has produced.
Former Arkansas running back and 2006 Heisman Trophy finalist Darren McFadden threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Travelers' 3-2 win against the San Antonio Missions on Saturday. Former Arkansas baseball player and current Travelers infielder Caleb Cali caught McFadden's pitch.
Razorback Razorback
— Arkansas Travelers (@ARTravs) May 31, 2025
Tonight’s ceremonial first pitch battery: Darren McFadden and Caleb Cali! pic.twitter.com/sXFTJ5CnCc
McFadeen was born in Little Rock, Ark., and went to high school at Oak Grove in North Little Rock, Ark., where the Double-A club plays.
McFadden played three seasons for the Razorbacks football team from 2005-07. He rushed for 4,590 yards and averaged 5.8 yards per carry. He had 51 total touchdowns in 38 games in college. He finished second in Heisman Trophy voting in 2006 to then-Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith. He was one of the cover athletes for the NCAA Football 09 video game.
screw it, every Darren McFadden touchdown at Arkansas in order pic.twitter.com/AsP67GREQ9
— Arkansas Razorback Football (@RazorbackFB) April 30, 2025
McFadden parlayed his college success into a successful NFL career. He was selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders. He had a 10-season career with the Raiders and Dallas Cowboys from 2008-17.
Cali, who was selected by Seattle in the 16th round of the 2023 MLB Draft, played one season for Arkansas in 2023. He hit nine home runs with 37 RBIs and slashed .308/.412/.512 with a .924 OPS in 51 games for the Razorbacks that season.
This year, Cali's first with the Travelers, he's scored 15 runs and has hit 10 doubles and four homers with 24 RBIs in 44 games. He's slashed .221/.309/.364 with a .673 OPS entering Sunday.
Caleb Cali WALKOFF WALK! pic.twitter.com/UYi7m3v9oi
— Mariners Minors (@MiLBMariners) April 12, 2025
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