Former Oakland A’s farmhand Manny Ramirez is leaving the Sydney Blue Sox in the Australian Baseball League due to health issues.
Chances are, even the most fervent Oakland A’s fan does not remember Manny Ramirez‘s tenure with the franchise. It was not exactly scintillating, as he spent approximately four months as a member of the A’s. He hit reasonably well in his 17 games in Sacramento, but was ultimately released when it was determined he would not be able to help the major league club.
That was not the end of his career. He bounced around the Cubs and Rangers organizations before heading to the Chinese Professional Baseball League. Even though he had not played since spending the 2014-15 offseason in the Dominican Winter League, Ramirez never officially retired.
This offseason was supposed to be his return. He had signed to play with the Sydney Blue Sox in the Australian Baseball League. Even if his return would not lead to another opportunity in affiliated ball, he was at least back in the game that he loved.
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Unfortunately, that comeback is on hold. The Blue Sox announced that Ramirez would be unavailable to play for the foreseeable future due to medical concerns. Fortunately, he has not tested positive for COVID-19, and these medical issues are not life threatening. They will, however, force him to remain away from the team.
This does not necessarily mean that he will not be a part of the team this year. However, his medical issues need to be considered against his further attempts to play baseball, and could force him off the diamond. His desired return to the diamond, regardless of whatever league he is in, may not be able to happen.
If that is the case, it is an unfortunate ending to his career. He put together a brilliant major league stat line, producing a .312/.411/.585 batting line with 555 homers and 547 doubles. Ramirez was a 12 time All Star, winning nine Silver Slugger awards and taking home the 2004 World Series MVP. However, that performance comes with an asterisk, as he was suspended twice for PEDs.
Hopefully, Manny Ramirez will be able to return to health and find his way back to the diamond. As tarnished as his legacy may be, there is no questioning his love for the game.