George Clooney on trying out for the Cincinnati Reds (twice): 'I just lacked skill'

In another life, a famous Cincinnati-raised actor could've been a famous MLB player ... maybe.

In a recent interview with Deadline, Academy Award-winning actor George Clooney discussed the SAG-AFTRA strike, the struggles of breaking into show businesses, his new film "The Boys in the Boat" and an old childhood dream: becoming a Cincinnati Reds player.

Clooney, who lived in Mason from 1968-74, told the publication that he was a "big athlete" growing up, having played basketball and baseball in school. According to a previous Enquirer article, Clooney was a freshman starter for the Augusta Independent High School baseball and basketball teams.

The actor even had two tryouts with the Cincinnati Reds but wasn't quite good enough to make the cut.

"I just lacked skill. I had everything else. I had a good hat. I had a good uniform. I just lacked the ability to play the game," Clooney told Deadline.

After his first attempt to join the team, Clooney worked to improve his speed and arm. This helped him advance to the second round of tryouts the following year.

During the second round, Clooney and a 32-inch Louisville slugger went up against a minor league pitcher, throwing 82-mile-an-hour fastballs down the middle, per Deadline.

"I was a leadoff hitter, and I'm just poking those pitched all over the field. Just playing great," Clooney explained. "And I was like, 'I'm going to be playing with the Cincinnati Reds, man.' And this guy's looking at me like I'm an idiot. And I'm thinking, 'This is it, man.'"

Clooney's dreams of becoming the next Redleg were within reach when the pitcher threw a curveball straight at the actor's head. Clooney fell backward, with the ball ending up on the outside part of the plate. The crowd erupted in laughter.

It was at this moment that Clooney's dreams of becoming a professional baseball player came to an end.

"I was like, 'Oh dude, I'm not going to be a professional baseball player. This is a different level.' I didn't understand that until right then," he said.

Despite not making it to the major leagues, Clooney said sports are still an important part of his life and admires people who can do it professionally.