LUXURY HOMES In (and Out) of Season

“THE TAXES, THE AIRPORT, the climate…” WFAA-Channel 8 sports anchor Dale Hansen is reeling off the reasons that dozens of pro athletes call the Dallas-Fort Worth area home even though they play far away. Scott Murray of KXAS-Channel 5 adds. “No matter what their sport is, these guys can play golf!”

Most began their careers in Dallas and liked it so much that when trades came, they simply stayed. Although there are exceptions, pro athletes tend to favor muscular, mammoth (not to say ostentatious) houses with all the amenities.

New York Yankees baseman Cecil Fielder, a former Texas Ranger, owns a million-dollar home on a double lot in Las Colinas. Ray Crockett, the Denver Broncos cornerback who graduated from Duncanville High School and Baylor University in Waco, maintains his primary residence in South lake.

Arlington is home to New York Yankee (and former Ranger) pitcher Kenny Rogers, who owns a four-bedroom, three-bath house with backyard pool. White Sox catcher Don Slaught still lives in the first home he bought in 1983 while with the Rangers; he and his wife are debating building their dream home on 10 acres they own in north Arlington. Colorado Rockies coach Jackie Moore, with the Rangers three times during his long career. has owned a 5.000-square-foot home with a fabulous view of Arlington since the mid-’80s.

Colley ville is popular with the pros, including Baltimore Orioles outfielder Pete Incaviglia, who has lived with his wife, Lo-ri, in their five-bedroom, four-bath home since 1993. They are noted for their hospitality-and the beauty of their contemporary stucco home with baseball-shaped hot tub. Orioles first baseman Raphael Palmiero, who moved to Colleyville when he joined the Rangers in “88, has a spectacular home: a [5,000-square-foot mansion on three acres with a private, guarded entrance.

Newly married international track star Michael Johnson intends to move from his North Dallas high-rise to a home he is building in the Duncanville-DeSo-to area near a house he purchased for his mother.

Some of the sports stars who live here are not players. Pat Summerall, who announces NFL games for Fox, lives in Southlake and is building another home. Terry Bradshaw. Hall of Fame quarterback and co-host of Fox’s “NFL Sunday” pregame show, has a sprawling ranch in Westlake.

Others are contemplating moves here: Detroit Tigers pitcher Todd Van Poppel (an Arlington native) and Chicago Bulls guard Dennis Rodman, who grew up in Oak Cliff. Now that could he one heck of a home tour.