Former MLB All-Star closer Brad Lidge has traded his baseball glove for a trowel, now embracing a career as a working archaeologist. Since retiring in 2013, Lidge has engaged deeply with archaeological digs, focusing on ancient civilizations like the Etruscans, and recently joined the Board of Advisors at the Penn Museum. His archaeological interests were ignited by high school world history classes and have grown through extensive studies, including a master's in ancient Roman archaeology. Lidge describes his commitment to archaeology as immersive, expressing a desire to physically engage with the field rather than simply study it.

By the Numbers
  • Lidge earned approximately $55.3 million during his MLB career.
  • He received his bachelor鈥檚 degree in 2008 and master's in 2017.
State of Play
  • Lidge is actively involved in excavation projects, including those in Abydos, Egypt.
  • He has published papers on Etruscan studies and is contemplating a book on ancient Etruscan symbols.
What's Next

Lidge is expected to continue his research in archaeology, with potential publications on Etruscan culture. His ongoing work with the Penn Museum could lead to further excavation projects and contributions to understanding ancient civilizations.

Bottom Line

Brad Lidge demonstrates that pursuing passion beyond sports can lead to fulfilling careers in entirely different fields. His journey from the baseball diamond to archaeological digs highlights the importance of following one's interests and making meaningful contributions to the world.