Nick Franklin: MLB Player Balancing Baseball And Uber Driving

With MLB spring training getting underway, players are preparing to get back to the grind of a full 162-game season. They’ve enjoyed the time off, with some relaxing, vacationing, and perhaps a little time in the gym, as well. However, Tampa Bay Rays utility infielder/outfielder Nick Franklin took a unique approach to his offseason by working as an Uber driver.

Franklin made nine or ten trips around the Orlando area, picking up and dropping off passengers in need of a ride. This isn’t Franklin’s first offseason as an Uber driver. The Sanford, Fla. native mentioned that he typically makes more trips during the winter, but couldn’t this year due to time restrictions. He certainly doesn’t need the money, having earned over $3 million since reaching the big leagues in 2013.

So, why did he pick up a second job? The answer is simple: Franklin was just bored. “I wanted to do something on the weekends because I never really do anything,” he said. He also shared that he’s picked up some of his friends from high school, stating, “I told them I’m just doing it for fun. I ended up meeting some pretty cool people along the way.” Perhaps most impressively, Franklin has maintained a very solid 4.8 rating on the app, making his driving experience not just profitable but enjoyable as well.