Phil Mickelson is being tested for a possible new career as a baseball pitcher. He hasn't collected a major golf title in 46 attempts but is having a trial for a possible major league debut.
Some players on tour are scoffing at the left-hander's trial for the Toledo Mud Hens - a minor league nursery club for the top-rated Detroit Tigers - but Mickelson is happy to live out his dream.
He impressed in a practice-day try-out recently and may get thrown into a match against the Louisville Bats this weekend.
Mickelson throws right-handed and can often be found practising with ball and baseball mitt in car parks of golf Tour events with his caddie Jim Mackay.
"This is a lifetime dream of mine and I'm extremely grateful to be given a chance to live it," says Mickelson. "I know which sport is mine but I just could not pass on this opportunity. I've got nothing but the utmost respect for the players at this level and I'm humbled to be a part of it even for a day or two."
Commented fellow golf pro Robert Damron: "If you think you can just step off the golf course and pitch to these guys . . . Well, let me put it this way...if I were a betting man, I'd bet against the Mud Hens."
"Tiger Woods added, shaking his head: "Good luck to him. But I don't know why he's doing it."
