The former England cricketer Liam Plunkett swapped his cricket colours for a baseball glove, playing his first game for the independent American club Oakland Ballers – and even claiming a strikeout.
The 41-year-old was part of England’s 2019 World Cup-winning side — his final international appearance — taking three wickets in the tied final against New Zealand as England emerged victorious by the narrowest of margins on boundary count. He subsequently moved to the United States, where his wife is from, and has since played Major League Cricket for the San Francisco Unicorns.
His latest venture came with the Ballers, who participate in the Pioneer Baseball League (PBL), an independent competition and official Major League Baseball (MLB) Partner League. The seam bowler featured under the PBL’s “marketing player” exception, a clause which allows teams to temporarily sign high-profile cross-sport athletes.
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Facing the Yuba-Sutter Freebirds at Raimondi Park on Friday, Plunkett started on the mound and recorded a strikeout in the process. “Originally, I thought it’s like the ceremonial open pitch, but it was the real thing. I was first on the mound, a little bit nervous, but the catcher was excellent,” Plunkett said.
“But I got that strikeout. I think the hitter didn’t know what was coming. It was a bit unusual, a mix between bowling and then pitching. Play first game, get a strikeout. What more could I ask for? Happy days!”