Former NBA star Tracy McGrady makes pitching debut with the Sugar Land Skeeters

Earlier this year Tracy McGrady announced that he was going to attempt to pursue a career in baseball. McGrady, a retired seven-time NBA All-Star who had a productive 16-year career that was ultimately besieged by injuries, was invited to spring training with the Sugar Land Skeeters of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball back in March and yesterday, he made his pitching debut in a scrimmage against Alvin Community College.

Pay per head services found out that McGrady, who was an incredible basketball player that could have left an even greater mark in the NBA if not for his constant back and knee injuries, allowed one run on three hits in one inning of work, throwing nine of his 15 pitches for strikes. It was a pretty efficient outing since Alvin Community College was aggressive at the plate and swinging at everything McGrady threw in the zone.

McGrady is a non-roster invitee, so he has to impress his manager in order to make the team. The Sugar Land Skeeters currently have 34 players on their roster but they have to trim it down to 27 by April 24, so we only have to wait a few days to see if he will land a contract with them and become the next two-sport star. He has one week, or in baseball time, one or two more opportunities to prove he belongs with the Skeeters.

Sugar Land went on to defeat Alvin Community College 10-1, so McGrady might have a bit of an uphill battle as he was the only pitcher to be scored upon. However, his box office appeal is probably enough to overcome that minor blemish.

At 34 years old, it’s unlikely McGrady will see much advancement past independent ball, even in a best case scenario, but just the fact that he’s living out a childhood dream makes it worthwhile.