John Olerud is a former professional MLB baseball player. He attended Interlake High School in Bellevue, Washington, and was selected from high school by the New York Mets in the 1986 draft. Olerud turned down the offer and went to Washington State University, and in his freshman year hit .464 with 23 home runs in 66 games. On January 11, 1988 he collapsed after a early workout and was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm. He was drafted in the third round of the 1989 draft by the Toronto Blue Jays and was a member of both their 1992 and 1993 World Series Championship teams. Olerud also played for the New York Mets, Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. Through 16 and a half seasons his career batting average was .295, with 249 home runs and 1203 RBIs.
Toronto Blue Jays All-Time On-Base Percentage Leader (.395).
Baseball All-American at both 1st base and pitcher, and Baseball America College Player of the Year (1988).
Selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 3rd round of the 1989 amateur draft out of Washington State University. One of only 91 players in Major League Baseball history who went directly to the majors without playing a game in the minors.