Casey Bond is an inductee for the third class of Starr’s Mill Hall of Fame.

While attending Starr’s Mill High School, Bond played varsity baseball. After graduating in 2003, he went on to play Major League Baseball and then pursued an acting career.

“I didn’t expect this recognition,” Bond said. “So I am honored in that way, and honored to have people who thought I was deserving of that…It’s special.”

Born in San Francisco, Bond later moved to Washington state and eventually to Peachtree City in the fourth grade. With Rising Starr Middle School and Starr’s Mill High School still being under construction during the time, Bond attended Whitewater Middle School for 6th and 7th grade before transferring to Rising Starr and Starr’s Mill.

During his high school years, Bond played basketball and baseball, ultimately choosing to focus on a future baseball career. 

“Being at Starr’s Mill, even though it was a new experience for everyone, we were all trying to become Panthers all at once,” Bond said.

After Starr’s Mill, Bond attended Birmingham Southern College, where he played Division I college baseball and majored in business. Right before his senior year at Birmingham Southern, the athletic programs switched to Division III. This marked only the second time in NCAA history that a school decided to switch divisions. In response to the switch of divisions, Bond transferred to Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, to finish out his senior year of college baseball.

During his senior year at Lipscomb, he started in all 58 games. In addition, Bond registered the tenth most hits and third most stolen bases in a single season for Lipscomb. Following the successes of his senior year, the San Francisco Giants drafted Bond as a center fielder in the 25th round of the 2007 MLB draft.

“[Playing Major League Baseball] was great,” Bond said. “I put in all that effort, and that was my dream to play professional baseball.”

Bond stayed in the minor leagues for two seasons. He was the first ever professional athlete to come from Starr’s Mill. During his time with the Giants, Bond earned the Most Conditioned Athlete award. In 2009, the Giants released Bond before spring training. After being released from the Giants, Bond made a career change.

“[Acting] was never part of my plan,” Bond said. “I love baseball, but I felt like there was more out there.”

After his release, Bond took an acting class in Nashville, which launched his new career. While considering signing with another MLB team, Bond began landing commercials and small roles. In response to his newfound success, he decided to retire from baseball and pursue acting full-time.

His breakout role came when he landed the role of Chad Bradford in “Moneyball.” Throughout his acting career, Bond has worked with seven actors who have either won or been nominated for an Academy Award or a Golden Globe, including acting in his own Academy Award-nominated film, “Moneyball.” He also had roles in the television shows “Greyhound” and “Nashville.”

“I always had an interest and a love for the arts,” Bond said. “The acting, which I was able to do some cool stuff, and was very fortunate, I was then able to turn that into producing.”

Bond is now concentrating on work behind the camera. He has formed his own production company, Higher Purpose Entertainment. Even though he is more selective with upcoming projects, Bond is open to taking on something that interests him. 

Currently, Bond is enjoying his freedom. He is traveling and spending time with his wife and kids. Bond has also picked up a newfound passion for golf.

“Take advantage of the position you are in and go all out,” Bond said. “Enjoy the time at Starr’s Mill, but know that high school is a temporary thing, and there is so much more ahead.”