Send us a text

What does it take to pitch professionally at 45 — while serving as an elected official?

In this wide-ranging conversation, J.D. Scholten shares the remarkable story of how he balanced professional baseball and public service at the same time — becoming the only person in history to play pro baseball while holding elected office.

Scholten walks through his journey from Sioux City, Iowa, to pitching around the world, to the Iowa Statehouse. He reflects on the grind of independent baseball, the lessons learned from pitching without velocity, and how the discipline of the game prepared him for life in politics. From European leagues and late-night bus rides to campaigning across 42 counties as the lone Democrat in northwest Iowa, this is a story about persistence, preparation, and showing up — no matter the arena.

Topics include:

• Pitching professionally into his mid-40s
• Playing baseball while serving in elected office
• What baseball teaches you about leadership and failure
• Campaigning in deep-red districts
• Why Sioux City has always been home
• Knowing when it’s finally time to step away

Whether you’re a baseball fan, a politics junkie, or just someone who appreciates an unconventional life path, this conversation offers a rare look at what it means to compete — and serve — at the highest level.

👉 Subscribe for more long-form interviews