Rafael Palmeiro turned 50 several years ago and last played in Major League Baseball back in 2005, but the retired slugger is giving competitive ball another shot for the opportunity to play alongside his son.
On Tuesday, Palmeiro confirmed to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News that he has signed a contract with the Cleburne Railroaders of the independent American Association. Palmeiro’s oldest son Patrick, who is 28, currently plays for the Railroaders.
“I’m looking forward to it,” Palmeiro told Grant. “Nobody gave me a chance to go to spring training, so I will just take this path.”
Palmeiro said over the winter that he intended to make a comeback, though it is hardly a surprise that no MLB team offered him a contract. While the 53-year-old was one of the better hitters the game has seen, he was suspended for performance-enhancing drug use and his legacy has been tainted because of it. He told the Dallas Morning News in January that one of the reasons he wanted to attempt a comeback was that he feels he has nothing to lose.
“I believe I have a lot to offer. I don’t know what it will do for my career, but how much more can my career be damaged at this point?” Palmeiro asked. “I’m not sure there is much more for me to lose. But I do think there is something to be gained and not just for myself. I believe it could be a win-win.”
This is not the first time Palmeiro has tried to erase some of his bad baseball memories by playing alongside his son. While the odds are stacked against him, he should certainly help the Railroaders sell a few more tickets.
