Rafael Palmeiro, former MLB first baseman and outfielder, decided retirement isn’t to his liking and at age 53 has decided to join his son Patrick and play for the Cleburne (Texas) Railroaders of the independent American Association.
"I'm looking forward to it," Palmeiro said in a text message to the Dallas Morning News. "Nobody gave me a chance to go to spring training, so I will just take this path.”
Fans can catch his first game May 18 when the Railroaders play against the Winnipeg Gold Eyes.
During the winter and after a 13-year retirement from the MLB, Cuban-American Palmeiro said he wanted to make a comeback. He had his hopes pinned on the Texas Rangers, though.
"I just know that I want to compete at the highest level, to contribute to a team and to contribute in other areas as well," he told the Morning News in January.
"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? I'm not sure there is much more for me to lose," he continued. "But I do think there is something to be gained and not just for myself. I believe it could be a win-win."
The Rangers declined the call.
Palmeiro last played in the majors for Baltimore in 2005, when he was suspended after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs.
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