Earlier this year, Tracy McGrady announced that he was going to attempt to pursue a career in baseball. The seven-time NBA All-Star was invited to spring training with the Sugar Land Skeeters (yes, that’s their real name, it’s the same franchise that threw Roger Clemens out there a couple years ago as a publicity stunt) of the Atlantic League.
This is an excerpt from the column Bob Wirz writes on Independent Baseball:
the greatest attention, at least at the outset, may be on a former NBA star who would like to add baseball pitching success to his formidable resume.
Sugar Land Manager Gary Gaetti did not waste any time getting Tracy McGrady onto the mound, starting him in the season’s initial exhibition game Wednesday night. Nine of his 15 pitches against Alvin Community College found the strike zone with three accounting for hits and one run.
“He did fine,” Gaetti told us this morning despite a leadoff double. “He had to get off his jitters. I’m sure the last couple days his head’s been spinning (with all the team has been doing in camp). I’m sure there is some culture shock (after basketball).”
Asked about his plans for Tracy McGrady, Gaetti said “he’s got to make the team first”, which one would have to believe Sugar Land would like to see because of the extra promotional value, but there are 35 players in camp trying to squeeze onto a 27-man opening night roster.
The 6-foot-8 Tracy McGrady played baseball from the age of five until he was nearly out of high school before becoming a star who averaged nearly 20 points (19.6) a game during his professional career for five different NBA teams.
Tracy McGrady is a non-roster invitee, so he has to impress in order to make the team. The Skeeters cut down day is April 24.
Paul M. Banks owns The Sports Bank.net, an affiliate of Fox Sports. He’s also a frequent guest on national talk radio. Banks is a former contributor to NBC Chicago and the Washington Times, who’s been featured on the History Channel. President Obama follows him on Twitter (@paulmbanks)