How Andrew Flintoff almost ended up playing for The New York Yankees

Andrew Flintoff is one of the greatest cricketers of all time, but his career could’ve gone down a very different path had he taken The New York Yankees up on their offer.

The Englishman has garnered hero status in his homeland, playing a pivotal role in the country’s 2005 Ashes win, scoring 402 runs and taking 32 wickets across the five test matches.

Andrew Flintoff was offered a trial for The New York Yankees

Blessed with power, timing and technique, Andrew Flintoff was a joy to watch on the cricket field, giving sporting enthusiasts many a fond memory to look back on.

But his outstanding achievements with England and Lancashire would never have come to fruition, had he followed the American dream.

In an episode of Sky One’s comedy panel show, A League of Their Own, the all-rounder revealed that he dazzled an overseas coach to such an extent, that he offered him a massive chance to leave cricket in the rearview mirror and take up a new sport instead.

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The talented athlete explained: “When I was 17, I was at Lancashire as a young cricketer, and we had a baseball coach come over [from America] to teach us how to field.

“He asked me if I’d go back to America [with him] and trial with the Yankees or someone. I said, ‘No, I’d sooner play cricket’.”

With natural skills, Flintoff could’ve undoubtedly become a superstar in the States, hitting home runs for fun at the Yankee Stadium.

But ultimately, he loved his first sport far to much to let it go. That being said, when Flintoff eventually retired, he tried his hand at boxing, picking up a controversial victory over Richard Dawson in 2012.

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