Pittsburgh Pirates: Rinku Singh to join the WWE
By David Hill
Former Pittsburgh Pirates Million Dollar Arm Rinku Singh has been signed by the WWE.
Rinku Singh was a great story for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was signed after the Million Dollar Arm reality show, showcasing a live arm while throwing a baseball at 84 MPH. Along with fellow contestant Dinesh Patel, he became the first person from India to sign with a major league franchise.
While Patel flamed out, Singh climbed through the Pirates system. He had climbed to the West Virginia Power of the South Atlantic League, pitching well in his first full season in A ball. Singh still had dreams of being the first player from India to reach the majors, and at just 23 years old, he had a chance.
Then arm issues ruined his career. He had Tommy John surgery, and only threw one more inning, pitching for the Pirates Rookie League team, after the 2012 season. Those arm issues ended his career, as he retired with a 2.97 ERA and a 1.254 WHiP, striking out 126 batters in 148.2 innings. He certainly had a chance, had his arm remained healthy.
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With his baseball career over, Singh has turned to other pursuits. Once again, the former Pirates pitcher turned to an audition to help him locate his next career. This time, Singh impressed coaches at an invitation-only tryout for athletes hailing from India and the Middle East, earning a contract with the WWE.
It would not the first major career change for the former pitcher. Prior to signing with the Pirates, he had been an excellent javelin thrower, and was a national junior medalist. While this career change does not involve throwing an object, Singh is certainly not a stranger to different athletic pursuits.
The WWE signing of Singh has similar motivations as the Pirates had. They are looking to build up their fanbase in the Middle East and India, looking into untapped areas for popularity. If Singh is able to get through the training and can become a major part of the WWE, the decision to sign him to a developmental deal could prove to be brilliant.
Next: Pirates trade McCutchen to Giants
Former Pittsburgh Pirates minor league pitcher, and Million Dollar Arm, Rinku Singh has signed with the WWE. The only thing he may be throwing now are a few punches and a folding metal chair.