In a move that seemed inevitable, the Sydney Blue Sox of the Australian Baseball League have decided to release Manny Ramirez.
Manny Ramirez was not done with the game he loves. Despite being 48 years old, and with no chance of ever returning to the majors, Ramirez had begun a comeback with the Sydney Blue Sox of the Australian Baseball League. However, that comeback was curtailed due to injury and the league being postponed after two games due to COVID-19 concerns.
Due to those injuries, and the uncertainty surrounding the season, the Blue Sox have decided to release Ramirez.
Combined with the uncertainty of the season and the ongoing medical issue that is preventing Manny Ramirez from playing and training with the Sydney Blue Sox, we have decided to release Manny.
— Sydney Blue Sox (@SydneyBlueSox) January 11, 2021
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Ramirez had not appeared in either of the games due to his injury issues. As it stands, he is remaining in Australia, and could conceivably be signed should his health improve and the season starts up once again.
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For their part, the Blue Sox continue to maintain that signing Ramirez was not a publicity stunt and that they intended to have him play this season. As Ramirez had been posting videos of his taking batting practice, and had been looking to return to the Chinese Professional Baseball League before signing in Australia, he was serious about the comeback attempt as well.
Likewise, this does not necessarily spell the end for Ramirez. He could look to make a comeback in another league next season, or even return to Australia for the hypothetical 2021-22 season. Ramirez will have options if he wants to continue his quest to return to professional ball.
Nonetheless, it is a disappointing end to Ramirez’s season. It would have been fascinating to see what he would have done in Australia after what was essentially five years away from the game. Hopefully, his comeback will be able to happen in the near future.
It just may not be this year as Manny Ramirez was released by the Sydney Blue Sox.