On-screen, Justin Hartley’s character Colter Shaw in CBS’s Tracker is a man of action—resourceful, agile, and seemingly prepared for anything. But in season 2, episode 3, fans caught a surprising glimpse of another side of him: his skill with a baseball. The unexpected reveal sparked a question among viewers—was that talent real or just TV magic?
Turns out, Hartley isn’t just playing pretend. His past with baseball isn’t fiction—it’s a chapter from his real-life story.
A Scene That Hits Close to Home
In Tracker’s “Bloodlines” episode, Colter helps locate a missing high school pitcher named Eric Dobbs. After the mission is complete, Colter shares a relaxed moment with Eric and his father, tossing a baseball around and showcasing a surprisingly strong arm. In a brief but revealing moment, Colter shares that he once wanted to play baseball, but his father didn't support the idea.
While this detail adds emotional depth to the character, it also mirrors Justin Hartley’s own life more closely than many fans may realize.
Hartley Was a Multi-Sport Athlete Before Turning to Acting
Long before he became a primetime TV star, Justin Hartley was already racking up wins—on the baseball diamond, basketball court, and soccer field. During his time at Carl Sandburg High School in Orland Park, Illinois, Hartley was deeply involved in athletics. According to his official biography, baseball was a significant part of his high school years, and yes—he was quite good at it.
Unfortunately, an injury cut his athletic ambitions short. But instead of letting the setback stop him, Hartley redirected his passion. After high school, he went on to study history and theater at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and later transferred to the University of Illinois at Chicago—setting him on a path toward a successful acting career.
That athletic background, however, never truly left him.
Baseball as a Shared Passion Off-Screen
Today, Hartley continues to carry his love for baseball—not on the field, but on the road. He and his wife, actress Sofia Pernas, who also stars in Tracker as Billie Matalon, frequently embark on road trips together. And whenever they hit the road, they make a point to visit Major League Baseball stadiums.
During a 2024 appearance on Live with Kelly and Mark, Hartley shared that the couple has made it a habit to find and explore stadiums they’ve never visited before. Their baseball travels have taken them to some of the sport’s most iconic venues: Citi Field in New York, Fenway Park in Boston, Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Truist Park in Atlanta, and Wrigley Field in Chicago, among others.
It’s a shared passion that not only keeps the sport alive in their relationship but also highlights how deeply rooted baseball is in Hartley’s life—even if he’s no longer swinging a bat competitively.
A Personal Touch in Tracker's Storytelling
Given Hartley’s background and personal love for the game, it’s not far-fetched to think he may have influenced the baseball subplot in season 2. While there’s no official word on whether he pitched the idea (pun intended), it’s clear that the writers knew exactly what they were doing when they handed Colter a baseball.
The moment adds another layer to Colter Shaw—a character who’s already known for his grit and intelligence. It makes him more relatable, more human. And for fans of Hartley, it’s a delightful Easter egg that offers a peek into the man behind the role.
More Than Just an Action Hero
Justin Hartley has built his career on playing complex characters—men who are strong, capable, and emotionally grounded. His role in Tracker is no exception. But what makes the show so engaging isn’t just the action or suspense—it’s the authenticity Hartley brings to Colter Shaw.
That authenticity shines especially bright in moments like the baseball scene. It’s not just a scripted performance; it’s a nod to his past, to the high school athlete who once dreamed of a different kind of field.
As Tracker continues its second season, fans can expect more of these small but meaningful insights into Colter’s character—and, by extension, Hartley himself. Whether he’s chasing down leads or tossing a baseball, Hartley proves he’s more than just a leading man—he’s a storyteller who brings his real-life experiences to every role.
And if you see Colter Shaw winding up for a pitch in a future episode, just know—there’s a good chance that throw is 100% real.
