If you’re a fan of the hit television show Gilmore Girls, you’ve undoubtedly heard of Scott Patterson, who played the iconic role of Luke Danes for seven seasons. Scott Patterson is a multi-talented American actor and musician who has made a name for himself in the entertainment industry.
Patterson has captivated audiences with his range and talent. But did you know that he was a professional baseball player before becoming an actor? Read on to learn more about Scott Patterson’s fascinating journey from the baseball diamond to the bright lights of Hollywood.
Scott Patterson Early Life
Scott Patterson was born on September 11, 1958, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. He grew up in Haddonfield, New Jersey, with his parents and four siblings. His father was a factory worker, and his mother was a homemaker.
Scott has an interesting family history and background in music. His lineage can be traced back to Richard Stockton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and The Constitution of the United States. This family history instilled in him a sense of pride in his country and a deep appreciation for the democratic principles that his ancestor fought for.
While still in school, Patterson’s passion for music began, and he formed his first band, The Unknowns, with his longtime friend Tommy Poitras in the third grade. They played two songs – Back in the U.S.S.R. and (I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone. The Unknowns continued to perform throughout grade school and high school, gaining a loyal following of fans.
Educational background
Scott Patterson attended Haddonfield Memorial High School, where he was an accomplished athlete and played football and baseball. He attended Rutgers University, where he played baseball as a pitcher.
Patterson had the opportunity to train under some of the most esteemed coaches in the industry, including Robert Lewis and Sondra Lee. Through their teaching, Patterson was able to develop his craft further and gain valuable insights into the art of acting. He was exposed to the tutelage of Paul Newman, Arthur Penn, and Frank Corsaro at the Actors Studio. It was there that he honed his craft and developed a deep love for the art of acting. Patterson also participated in the Producer’s Unit chaired by Penn, which gave him valuable experience in the business side of the entertainment industry.
Career
After his college baseball career, he was drafted by the Atlanta Braves and played in the minor leagues for a few years before leaving baseball to pursue his passion for acting.
Baseball
Before Scott Patterson became an actor, he spent seven years pursuing a career in minor-league baseball. In 1980, he began his first professional season playing with the Class A Anderson Braves. He continued to improve his game, and by 1981, he had won 13 consecutive games as a starting pitcher. This impressive feat set a Braves record for the most consecutive wins at the start of a season.
As a result of his hard work and dedication, Patterson was named the Braves Minor League Pitcher of the Month twice. He was later traded to the New York Yankees for Bob Watson in 1982, and in 1983, he was placed on the Yankees Major League roster.
Patterson’s baseball career took him worldwide. He also played in the Puerto Rican Winter League with the Lobos de Arecibo in 1984–85 and the Dominican Professional Baseball League with Santo Domingo in 1985–86. He even signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers affiliate, the Albuquerque Dukes, in late 1986.
Although he never made it to the major leagues, Patterson’s success in minor league baseball and his All-Star recognition with the Yankees’ Double-A Albany-Colonie Yankees and Triple-A Columbus Clippers in 1986 speak to his talent and hard work.
Acting
After spending seven years playing in the minor leagues for various teams, Patterson decided to pursue his passion for acting. In 1988, he co-founded the Arclight Theatre Company in Soho, N.Y.C., with John Bishop and turned down a role in the European Traveling Company’s Tamara to continue working with the company.
