If Kickball Was a Pro Sport, Which Athletes Would Play?

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N368044 04: (MAGAZINES OUT) Elian Gonzalez gets tagged out during a kickball game April 20, 2000 in Miami. He was playing with family and friends in the yard of the home where he is staying in Miami's Little Havana district. (Photo by Joe Raedle)

In previous articles, I have opened the discussion into which athletes would participate in the fictional sport of quidditch and the playground favorite sport of dodgeball, should either of the aforementioned sports ever somehow develop a professional league.

With that said, in the third installment of this unusual series, I will name my starting lineup for a kickball team consisting entirely of currently active professional athletes.

Just to make things more interesting, I will only allow myself to choose one athlete from any given sport. Enjoy!

Catcher: Zdeno Chara

BOSTON - MAY 10: Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins heads toward the net against the Carolina Hurricances during Game Five of the Eastern Conference Semifinal Round of the 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs on May 10, 2009 at the TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, M

At 6'9" and 255 pounds, Chara is pretty much the largest player in the NHL. While hockey doesn't exactly involve the skill of kicking, Chara's legs seem more than strong enough to get the job done. Furthermore, I don't think anyone will want to try running him over at the plate on a play home.

First Base: Sebastian Janikowski

OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 30: Sebastian Janikowski #11 of the Oakland Raiders gets ready to kick a field goal against the Kansas City Chiefs during an NFL game on November 30, 2008 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed

At approximately 250 pounds, Janikowski is by far the most powerful kicker in the NFL. There is little doubt that Sebastian will be kicking in the cleanup spot for this powerful lineup.

Second Base: Floyd Mayweather Jr.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 22: Boxing superstar Floyd Mayweather in his first open workout since coming out of retirement with trainer and uncle Roger Mayweather, as he prepares for his fight against Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico, at Peacock Gym on May 22, 20

"Money May" is notorious for having some of the quickest feet in the history of boxing. His swift footwork should allow him to play a very solid second base, while simultaneously giving reason to believe that he can be an offensive force as well. His speed should also make him a potential lead-off kicker.

Shortstop: Georges St. Pierre

TORONTO - FEBRUARY 5: Ultimate Fighter Georges St-Pierre attends the Toronto Maple Leafs game against the Florida Panthers during a fight during their NHL game at the Air Canada Centre February 5, 2008 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo By Dave Sandford

GSP is among the most talented and athletic fighters in the UFC today. His athleticism should make him an ideal fit at shortstop, while his solid kicking ability should translate well to kicking a kickball.

Third Base: Dan Carter

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - AUGUST 08: Dan Carter of Canterbury kicks a conversion during the Air New Zealand Cup match between Auckland and Canterbury at Eden Park on August 8, 2009 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

For those of you who don't know who Dan Carter is, he is one of the top rugby players in the world today. Known for being an exceptionally well-rounded player, Dan possesses a powerful kick that should certainly translate to the world of kickball.

Left Field: Cristiano Ronaldo

LONDON - SEPTEMBER 25: Cristiano Renaldo of Manchester United is tackled by Pedro Mendes of Spurs during the Barclays Premiership match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United on September 25, 2004 at White Hart Lane, London, England. (Photo by J

Obviously I couldn't put together a kickball team without including a soccer player! Therefore, I decided to include one of the game's top athletes, Cristiano Renaldo. His powerful striking style should make him a home run kicking force for the team.

Center Field: Torii Hunter

ANAHEIM, CA - JULY 07: Torii Hunter #48 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim catches a pop fly in the second inning against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium on July 7, 2009 in Anaheim, California. The Rangers defeated the Angels 8-5. (Photo by Jeff Gr

While his kicking may be up in the air, baseball's elite defensive center fielder should be a lock-down defender at kickball's most important position.

Right Field: Lebron James

ORLANDO, FL - MAY 30: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on between plays against the Orlando Magic in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2009 Playoffs at Amway Arena on May 30, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: Use

Basketball's young "King" has the tools and athleticism to be an all around star in right field. His body strength should make him a threat on offense, and his hands are large enough to rocket the ball back into the infield on defense. If he ever strikes out, though, be wary of his people confiscating all forms of the event's evidence.

Pitcher: Wes Malott

Pitching in kickball does kind of resemble the sport of bowling, so why not choose one of the top bowlers in the world to be the team's pitcher? I believe Wes could make a smooth transition from the PBA to the world of professional kickball.

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