SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Cubs scout Sam Hughes watches Colin Kaepernick nowadays and still wonders what the strong-armed NFL quarterback might look like on a pitching mound, as a power arm in the pros. It’s hard not to, seeing the zip and accuracy on each throw, the competitive fire and focus.

The Cubs never even watched Kaepernick throw a baseball before drafting him in the 43rd round almost four years ago. They did watch him throw a football for Nevada, and decided that college game told them more than enough.

Ultimately, the Cubs just couldn’t lure Kaepernick away from his first love: football. Now, he’s headed to the Super Bowl to lead the 49ers against Baltimore on Feb. 3.