Minnesota Twins: Lew Ford collects 2500th professional hit
By David Hill
It would be easy to forget about Lew Ford. He spent five years in the majors with the Minnesota Twins from 2003 through 2007, then seemingly vanished aside from a stint with the Orioles in 2012. After that point, the then 36 year old Ford sent 33 games in the Orioles system before being let go, a move that would have theoretically ended his career.
But that was not the case. Ford kept playing, signing with the Long Island Ducks during the regular season while playing in various Winter Leagues. He spent time in the Mexican League as a 38 year old in 2015. However, since 2017, Ford has been a part of the Ducks roster, a mainstay associated with the team since 2009.
Former Minnesota Twins outfielder Lew Ford keeps on going
2022 appeared as though it would have been the end of Ford’s playing career. He was still with the Ducks, but he served as their hitting coach this season. Such a move made sense as Ford’s career spanned four decades and three continents as a professional. He has a wealth of experience to share with any hitter that comes through the team.
That changed recently. The Ducks activated Ford, putting him back in their lineup. The soon to be 46 year old has responded with ten hits, including two doubles and two homers, in his first 25 plate appearances. In that surprising flurry of production, Ford also notched his 2500th hit as a professional.
His milestone largely passed by unnoticed. Ford only collected 425 of those hits in the majors, and the minors and independent leagues do not get nearly the same attention for statistical accomplishments. But that does not diminish what he has done during his years on the diamond.
In a lot of ways, Ford can be viewed as an inspiration. At an age when many people are avoiding much physical activity and counting down the days to retirement, he is still doing what he loves. It goes to show that, no matter how old someone is, there is always a diamond out there that will let you play.
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Former Minnesota Twins outfielder Lew Ford is still plugging away with the Long Island Ducks. He even notched his 2500th professional hit.