Rafael Palmeiro finds a home to begin his comeback
As improbable as it may be, Rafael Palmeiro has found a team willing to let him attempt his comeback in professional baseball.
Remember back in December, when Rafael Palmeiro said that he felt he could still be a productive major leaguer, and wanted to make a comeback? It seemed highly unlikely that his wish would be granted, as the disgraced former slugger was 53 years old and had been out of baseball since 2005. But, hey, a former ballplayer who is almost eligible for his AARP card can dream.
Amazingly, Palmeiro is going to get a chance to make his comeback. It may not be the majors, or even affiliated minor league ball, but he has a contract. Palmeiro will be playing for the Cleburne Railroaders of the independent American Association of Independent Professional Baseball, not to be confused with the former major league from the 19th century, or the minor league from the 20th century.
If he is going to return to the majors, Palmeiro is about as far away from the bright lights as possible. The AA is a 12 team league, where the largest stadium seats 8000 spectators. The Railroaders, meanwhile, play in the smallest stadium in the league, with a maximum capacity of 1,750, less than half the size of the second smallest ballpark.
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Palmeiro is literally starting from the bottom in his attempt to work his way back. However, if he is to hold on to that dream of returning to the majors, this was the only path available. Even more than his 13 years away from the game, the former All Star became a pariah with his failed drug test, turning his testimony before Congress regarding PEDs into a punchline. Those All Star appearances, his 3020 career hits, 569 homers, and three Gold Gloves did not matter.
Perhaps, even more than his attempt to return to the majors, this is a chance for Palmeiro to rebuild his legacy. He could have faded back into the shadows, his disgrace out of mind, and off the Hall of Fame ballot. Instead, he is out there for the love of the game, trying to find his way back.
At least, as Palmeiro begins his journey, he will have a familiar face by his side. His son, Patrick Palmeiro, is also on the roster, allowing father and son to play together. The younger Palmeiro had been a part of the White Sox system for three years, but only appeared in 40 games above rookie ball before signing in the independent leagues.
Next: The declining Albert Pujols
Against all odds, Rafael Palmeiro is attempting to make his comeback. His first stop along the way will be with the Cleburne Railroaders.