Rafael Palmeiro hasn’t played baseball since 2005 but he is ready to make a comeback to Major League Baseball. Palmiero left the game after testing positive for steroids, shortly after testifying in Congress that he never used any performance enhancing substances.
After his positive test, Palmeiro was suspended by Major League Baseball and subsequently released by the Baltimore Orioles and never played again. Palmiero is now seeking a second chance, possibly looking for redemption for his acrimonious exit due to his positive test.
He spoke with the Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal about his comeback attempt:
“There’s no doubt in my mind I can do it,” Palmeiro told Rosenthal. “I’ve taken care of myself really well. I’ve been working out for years. Everything feels better than when I played.”
Coming back to play any professional sport at age 53 would be a very difficult task, and one anonymous MLB general manager had the following thoughts.
He would need to dominate in an independent or overseas league for a team to even consider him.
It looks like it would be a long road for Palmeiro in order to be considered for a MLB position. The sting of the way he exited the sport may be driving this comeback attempt, but I don’t see any team taking this seriously.