English cricket standout Liam Plunkett is giving baseball a try with Oakland's minor league team

English cricket standout Liam Plunkett is making a switch to baseball with the Oakland Ballers, a minor-league team based in California. The 41-year-old, known previously as a fast bowler for England, arrived at Raimondi Park and waited for his first chance to bat as a player. He debuted as a pitcher in June, facing one batter in his pitching appearance. Against Yuba-Sutter’s Josh Duarte, Plunkett struck him out on five pitches. His best recorded velocity reached 77 mph, while his breaking ball was clocked at 63 mph. The outing took place at the Oakland Ballers’ home venue and adds an unusual crossover story between professional cricket and independent baseball.