Prior to his illustrious NBA career, Tracy McGrady was actually a skilled high school pitcher and he admitted in 2006 that it was his forst love. However, his 6-7 height and elite athleticism propelled him down the path of stardom on the basketball court. However, his knees ultimately betrayed him and T-Mac retired from the league at the age of 34, McGrady is attempting to relaunch his career on the baseball diamond.
From the mound, the athleticism lost as a result of his microfracture surgery and numerous leg injuries won't limit his effectiveness as a pitcher. What will affect him will be the late start on his baseball career
McGrady's former head coach Jeff Van Gundy spilled the beans on ESPN's Friday night NBA broadcast — as he was probably instructed to do, but this isn't some publicity stunt. McGrady is working out for the Sugarland Skeeters, the Houston Astros minor league affiliate, with pitching legend Roger Clemens.
Via Ball Don't Lie:
Speaking real quickly of McGrady, I think he’s going to play independent league baseball as a pitcher this year. In the independent league… I’m being serious. I’ve heard from sources in Houston, seriously, that he’s throwing over 90 miles per hour. The Sugar Land Skeeters. Roger Clemens pitched for them last year.”
Randy McIlvoy of KPRC in Houston inquired as to whether this rumor was true, and was given a glowing report on McGrady's workouts.
Sources w/the @SL_Skeeters tell me that Tracy McGrady is eyeing pro baseball as a pitcher. CLocked at 91 MPH. Working out for 2 months.
— Randy McIlvoy (@RandyMcIlvoy) February 1, 2014
I am also told that Tracy McGrady's workout routine has been 2-3 times/wk throwing & working some w/Roger Clemens. @SL_Skeeters #hounews
— Randy McIlvoy (@RandyMcIlvoy) February 1, 2014
Whether this will be another humiliating quest like Jordan's attempt to play minor league baseball or a remarkable story waiting to unfold remains to be seen.
