APPLETON, Wis.(WFRV) - A major league baseball player is trading his cleats for a police uniform.

Jack Taschner is Appleton's newest officer. He grew up in Racine and played baseball at UW Oshkosh. Taschner was drafted to the majors in 1999 as a left hand reliever.

He pitched for the Giants, Phillies, Pirates and Dodgers.

"I got ready this winter like I did every winter" says Taschner "but my velocity dropped so that the major leagues decided I was no longer needed".

Taschner knew it was time to follow his other passion. Family footsteps led him into the world of law enforcement.

"I don't look at this as a step down or as I'm not getting things handed to me. I've just never bought into that lifestyle. I grew up in a blue collar family and that's the kind of work I like to do".

On the job Taschner is learning to deal with day to day police operations. He says his experience on the field is making him a more observant officer in the field.

"With baseball especially being on the mound you have to know who's on first, second, what's going on in the box. With police work it's kind of the same way.

Using his baseball background to handle the major league task of protecting a community.

"I can't honestly say I'd rather be anywhere else".

Jack will spend about six more weeks working with his field training officer before stepping up to the plate for his first solo at bat as a police officer.

Channel 5's Millaine Wells reports.