McGrady gets invite to Skeeters camp

SUGAR LAND, Texas (AP) Retired NBA star Tracy McGrady is moving closer to his dream of playing professional baseball.

The Sugar Land Skeeters have invited the 34-year-old McGrady to spring training, giving him a chance to earn a spot on the independent Atlantic League team.

A seven-time NBA All-Star, McGrady has been training to become a pitcher with the team.

Manager Gary Gaetti says: ''We're intrigued by the progress Tracy has made thus far and really commend him for putting in the work.''

The 6-foot-8 right-hander played baseball from age five until his senior year in high school when he transferred to a school without a baseball program.

Seven-time Cy Young winner Roger Clemens pitched for the Skeeters a couple of years ago.