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‘Blue Bloods’: Watch Tom Selleck Play an Epic Game of Volleyball in 1983

Tom Selleck has been a famous actor for decades. His fame came about thanks to his roles in classic television and film. And he has sustained that fame thanks to many other roles, including that of NYPD Police Commissioner Frank Reagan on “Blue Bloods.”

Had he not become a famous actor, a sports career might have been in Selleck’s future. Turns out, he was a pretty great volleyball player in his time. He showcased his talent for the sport in 1983.

By 1983, the future “Blue Bloods” star was already famous thanks to his role as the main character on “Magnum, P.I.” That show began its television run in 1980, according to IMDb.com. It stayed on the air until 1988.

So, when Selleck traveled to San Diego State in San Diego, California, during 1983 to take part in a volleyball match, fans turned out in droves. The event was captured by CBS 8 San Diego. The station shared the video on YouTube.com as part of a throwback series. Also, the television report was narrated by Lorraine Kimel.

“… wait, why is the crowd roaring when the game hasn’t even started yet?” Kimel said in her report. “Oh, it’s just Tom Selleck taking his jacket off. Yes, America’s current heartthrob can apparently do more than just send women’s hearts a flutter.”

Kimel then went on to describe the future “Blue Bloods” star’s abilities on the volleyball court.

“Yes, the man who fights crime in primetime – a man of considerable derring-do – can apparently do more than just act,” Kimel reported. “He’s a member of the Honolulu-based master’s division volleyball team.”

According to IMDb.com, Selleck played for the Outrigger Canoe Club. He competed in both indoor volleyball and beach volleyball.

You can watch Tom Selleck play volleyball below.

‘Blue Bloods’ Star Tom Selleck Talked About Playing Volleyball During 1983 Interview

Not only did that 1983 television report show clips of Selleck as “Magnum, P.I.” and on the volleyball court, it also included comments from the man himself.

“I just have always played competitive sports,” Selleck said. “I’ve played a lot of basketball and a lot of baseball. And, it’s always been my outlet. So to be around a bunch of guys who aren’t in the business, and be treated relatively normally based on how well I do, is nice for me.”

Tom Selleck’s efforts on the volleyball court earned praise from one of his teammates. That teammate was Dennis Berg and he talked about Selleck with Volleyball USA Magazine during 2011.

“Tom was a great teammate, appreciative of being included with such a talented and experienced group, practicing and playing hard when his ‘Magnum’ schedule permitted. … He was very patient with all of us, and we relished the big crowds that replaced the usual sparse number of players’ friends and spouses at the national tourney matches,” Berg said.

Tom Selleck’s son, Kevin, inherited his father’s volleyball talents. Kevin played volleyball at USC and in 1990 he received All-American honors. To make things even better, USC was Tom Selleck’s alma mater. He went to school there on a basketball scholarship. It was while at school there that his acting career began to develop.