Manny Ramirez, a 12-time All-star player, is thinking about returning to professional baseball. Currently, the talented outfielder is looking at potentially joining the Taiwanese league for his comeback.
The Chinese Professional Baseball League is among the few sports leagues worldwide that are still operational amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The league comprises five teams, and it is uncertain at this point if Ramirez has a particular team in mind. The league’s season began earlier this month, with games being broadcast live and free on the teams’ Twitter profiles since spectators are not permitted in the stands due to safety concerns.
In an interview with the Taiwan Times, Ramirez, who will turn 48 next month, expressed his desire to come back to the game in a dual role as a player and a coach.
“I have been eager to be back in the batter’s box and compete once more,” he said during the interview. “I also miss the camaraderie of teammates and post-game team dinners. If given the chance to join a team as a player-coach, it could bring a positive impact to both the team and the league.”
Ramirez highlighted his previous stint in the CPBL in 2013 as evidence of his ability to draw a significant crowd. “When I played in 2013, the attendance numbers almost quadrupled overnight,” he recalled. “This shows that there’s a passion for the game, and fans will come, but it’s essential for the owners to deliver what the fans desire.”
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