Major League Baseball

Tracy McGrady retires from baseball after his final strikeout

Published Jul. 17, 2014 1:48 p.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

foxsports

Former NBA player Tracy McGrady has decided to retire from baseball just months after he made his minor-league baseball debut as a pitcher for Texas' Sugar Land Skeeters.  

The seven-time NBA All-Star hung his hat on a high note during the 2014 Atlantic League All-Star Game on Wednesday night, pitching his first and only strikeout against the last batter he faced before walking off the mound the final time to the cheers of his teammates, CBS Houston reported. 

"It has been a tremendous ride," T-Mac was quoted as saying. "I informed the team this would be my last outing and I appreciate them giving me this opportunity to start the game and enjoy this great midsummers classic.

"This has been an awesome year. Not having my basketball career end the way I wanted but having the opportunity to be friends with some of the guys and get to know them and compete with them, learn from them every day, it's been an honor."

The 34-year-old McGrady, who retired from basketball last August, had announced his dream of becoming a baseball player in February and was invited to train with the Skeeters the following month. 

According to MLB.com, McGrady pitched four innings on the Atlantic (Independent) League of Professional Baseball team and logged a 6.23 ERA in 6 2/3 innings. 

He also held on to that last ball as a keepsake. "I told some of the guys that I am going to get a strikeout before I stop playing," McGrady was quoted as saying in the dugout. "I got it in the second inning. Thank you, Jesus." 

H/t MLB.com. 

share

Get more from Major League Baseball Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

Major League Baseball

National Basketball Association