It took a while, but Sugar Land Skeeters flamethrower Tracy McGrady has finally thrown his first strikeout. After somehow starting the Atlantic League All Star game Wednesday at Constellation field, McGrady struck out Atlantic League All Star third baseman Bryan Pounds; pitching a grand total 1.1 innings and retiring from the game of baseball as soon as he came off the mound. The strikeout was the first and last of his almost five game career.
“That is definitely going in the trophy case,” he said from the dugout following his outing. “I told some of the guys that I am going to get a strikeout before I stop playing. I got it in the second inning. Thank you Jesus, it has been a tremendous ride. It is my last game today. 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 mid-summers 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.”
McGrady started four regular season Atlantic League games, posting a 6.75 ERA with 10 walks in 6.2 total innings of play. Given his performance; it’s probably best for all parties involved that the ride is over. McGrady got to realize his dream of taking the mound in a (semi) professional baseball game and the Skeeters got to sell a nice amount of extra tickets.
[h/t CBS]
