You can just call him "K-Mac" from now on.
Former NBA superstar Tracy McGrady punctuated his brief professional baseball career by notching his first strikeout. McGrady, who retired from the NBA in 2013, has been pitching for the independent Atlantic League's Sugar Land Skeeters since February. The 35-year-old recorded his milestone K during an appearance in the Atlantic League All Star Game on Wednesday. McGrady got the start and threw 1.1 innings, striking out the final batter he faced. Afterwards, he announced his second retirement in as many years.
"It has been a tremendous ride," McGrady said of his stint in baseball, via CBS Houston. "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-summer classic."
McGrady, who starred for the Houston Rockets, Orlando Magic and Toronto Raptors during a 16-season NBA career, appeared in four games for the Skeeters and pitched 6.2 innings. He allowed four hits and five earned runs.
“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," McGrady, whose basketball was plagued by injuries, told SportsRadio 610, reported the Houston Chronicle. "It’s been an honor.”