Former Boston Red Sox star Manny Ramirez is not done with baseball, having signed a contract to play in Australia.
When last we had heard from Manny Ramirez, the former Boston Red Sox great was looking to continue his career in Taiwan. He had spent a portion of 2013 playing for the EDA Rhinos, and was hoping to return to the league as a player/coach. However, nothing further happened, and Ramirez faded away.
But now, he is back, and the comeback is on. Ramirez has signed with the Sydney Blue Sox in the Australian Baseball League, getting his chance to return to the diamond.
Breaking: Manny Ramirez, 48, signs 1-year deal with the Sydney Blue Sox of the Australian Baseball League. Diamondstar international Baseball Agency with agent Hector Zepeda did the deal.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 29, 2020
Chances are, this deal will not result in a return stateside. Ramirez has not played in the majors since a disastrous stint with the Rays in 2011, and is already 48 years old. At this point, it is more of a Julio Franco style love for the game that is pushing him forward.
There is no denying his stature as one of the greatest hitters in the game based on his raw numbers. Over his 19 years in the majors, Ramirez had a .312/.411/.585 batting line, belting 555 homers and 547 doubles. He was a 12 time All Star and nine time Silver Slugger. Ramirez was also the World Series MVP in 2004, when the Boston Red Sox broke the Curse of the Bambino.
But there is more to Ramirez than his production and accolades. He was considered a clubhouse cancer, being unceremoniously dumped by Boston after several issues in the clubhouse. Ramirez was also suspended for PEDs twice, his second positive test causing his retirement after five unproductive games in Tampa Bay.
But the allure of the game has always drawn him back. He was a part of the A’s, Rangers, and Cubs organizations from 2012 through 2014, and also spent time in Taiwan and in the Dominican Winter League. However, he had not played since the 2014-15 winter, meaning that he will have a lot of rust to knock off this winter.
Manny Ramirez is, to a degree, back. The former Boston Red Sox slugger will be playing in Australia come the start of the Australian Baseball League.