Sam Abbott transitions from pro baseball to Long Beach State water polo
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 9, 2026, 4:44 PM
Last updated Nov 9, 2026
Sam Abbott, a former professional baseball player drafted by the Chicago White Sox, is now playing college water polo at Long Beach State. The 27-year-old center defender has recorded six goals, three assists, ten steals, and five blocks for the team, which has a record of 16-8 following a recent victory over UC Irvine. Abbott began water polo in high school and previously played minor league baseball for four years before pursuing this new path. His decision to join Long Beach State was influenced by his former coach, Gavin Arroyo, and Abbott aims to bring his experience to the younger players on the team.
- •Abbott played professional baseball in multiple countries before switching sports.
- •He is reuniting with coach Gavin Arroyo at Long Beach State.
- •Abbott leads with six goals this season for the water polo team.
- •He began his athletic career in water polo during high school.
- •Long Beach State improved to 16-8 following a win over UC Irvine.
- 4:44 PMYahoo Sports — Sam Abbott switches from pro baseball to college water polo with Long Beach State
"Sam Abbott was drafted by the Chicago White Sox and played professional baseball in Canada, Nicaragua, Australia, the Dominican Republic and United Arab Emirates before he started playing college water polo.It was a long and winding road to The Beach.
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