Manny Ramirez has not been able to fully commit to retirement since his last MLB action nearly a decade ago, and the former Boston Red Sox slugger is attempting yet another comeback.
Ramirez told The Taiwan Times on Wednesday that he is hoping to play in the Chinese Professional Baseball League in Taiwan again this season. He feels a player-coach role would suit him well.
“My goal for 2020, is to find a roster spot in the CPBL,” Ramirez said. “I have been itching to get back in the batter’s box and be able to compete again. … I know if I was given the opportunity to come in an organization as a player-coach, it would do great things for the organization and the league.”
Ramirez will turn 48 next month, so it goes without saying that the odds are stacked against him. He had previous success in the CPBL, however. The 12-time MLB All-Star hit .352 with eight home runs and 43 RBI in 2013 with the EDA Rhinos. He said he has used his free time during the quarantine to get back into top physical condition.
“I have been working out daily and keeping my mind at ease, with only one thing in mind — how to get back on the field,” Ramirez said.
Ramirez’s last contract with a team was when he signed with the Kōchi Fighting Dogs of the Japanese Shikoku Island League Plus, which is an independent league. His deal with the team included some very interest language, but he had to leave after several months because of a knee injury. Signing a contract with any pro team would be remarkable for a 48-year-old, so we wish him the best.
