Former MLB outfielder looking to qualify for Olympic cycling team

Former MLB outfielder Carlos Gomez hit for the cycle twice in his MLB days. Now, he’s trying to make a second career out of it.

Gomez is attempting to qualify for the 2024 Olympic track cycling team, according to Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter Todd Rosiak. Gomez needs to win a race in May in order to qualify. If he does, Gomez would represent the Dominican Republic in the 500-meter race. The country has only ever had one cyclist in Olympic history, when Diego Milan raced in 2016.

The 38-year-old has been eating 7,000 calories daily to mitigate the severe weight loss that results from the intensity of the workouts, according to Rosiak. The reporter also noted Gomez “can’t be matched in the sprints” by anyone else in the Dominican because of his “powerful lower body.”

Gomez spent 13 years in the MLB, six of those coming with the Milwaukee Brewers. The center fielder was known for his speed on the base path, registering 268 career stolen bases. Gomez finished his career with two All-Star appearances and a Gold Glove.

This isn’t Gomez’s first try at a second career in sports. According to Rosiak, Gomez was previously training for MMA, but had to hang it up because of a neck issue. He also trained in judo growing up.