Gavin Newsom's Embellished College Baseball Career Revealed in New Memoir

Governor's claims about playing first base for Santa Clara University and being drafted by the Texas Rangers are contradicted by facts uncovered by journalists.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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In his new memoir "Boy in a Hurry", California Governor Gavin Newsom has continued to perpetuate myths about his college baseball career, despite evidence that he never actually played varsity baseball at Santa Clara University and was never drafted by a professional team. Newsom has repeatedly credited baseball with getting him into college and shaping his life, but journalists have uncovered contradictory facts that undermine his claims.

Why it matters

Newsom's embellishment of his college sports experience raises questions about his honesty and transparency, especially as he considers a potential presidential run in 2024. The revelations also highlight the power of influential connections and recommendations in gaining college admissions, rather than athletic prowess alone.

The details

While Newsom claims he was recruited by Santa Clara's baseball coaches and offered a partial scholarship, records show he never actually played in any official varsity or junior varsity games for the Broncos. An assistant coach has stated that Newsom "never played a varsity game, though he might have played in some scrimmages." Newsom did receive a $500 baseball scholarship, but many varsity players received no scholarship at all. Newsom's admission to Santa Clara is also attributed to influential recommendations from figures like former California Governor Jerry Brown, whose father appointed Newsom's father to a judgeship, and a wealthy Santa Clara booster.

  • In 2004, Newsom threw out the first pitch at a San Francisco Giants home opener, with the announcer falsely stating he had played first base for the University of Santa Clara.
  • Newsom began repeatedly crediting baseball for getting him into college and shaping his life over a decade ago.
  • Newsom's new memoir "Boy in a Hurry" was officially launched on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The current Governor of California who has long claimed that his college baseball experience was pivotal in shaping his life, despite evidence that he never actually played varsity baseball at Santa Clara University.

John Oldham

The late head coach of the Santa Clara Broncos baseball team who Newsom claims offered him a partial scholarship in 1985.

Jerry Brown

The former Governor of California whose recommendation helped Newsom gain admission to Santa Clara University.

William Newsom

Gavin Newsom's father, who served on the Santa Clara University Board of Regents in 1985, the same year Gavin was admitted to the school.

William Connolly

A friend of Gavin Newsom's father and a wealthy San Francisco investment banker who was a big donor to Santa Clara's athletic department, and who pressed the school's coaches to take a look at Newsom.

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What they’re saying

“He never played a varsity game, though he might have played in some scrimmages.”

— Mike Cummins, Newsom's assistant baseball coach at Santa Clara

“At the time, I didn't know the difference.”

— Anonymous Santa Clara baseball player

“He was very smooth, had power, could hit for average...very, very gifted swing.”

— Doug Hendrickson, Newsom's friend and NFL agent (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Newsom's embellishment of his college baseball experience raises serious questions about his honesty and transparency, especially as he considers a potential presidential run. The revelations highlight the power of influential connections in college admissions, rather than athletic prowess alone.