Manny Ramirez is more than a special attraction for his new Japanese ball club. He can still rake.
The now-44-year-old slugger stepped up to the plate Thursday for the Kōchi Fighting Dogs of the Shikoku Island League Plus. He promptly smacked a double to center field.
#Beisbol | Batear es su arte. Manny Ramírez de 5-2 con H2 y CI en su 1º partido de pretemporada con #Kochi. Latinos bb.@aguilascibaenas pic.twitter.com/d5hsDKOHA1
— Sala Deportiva (@SalaDeportivaRD) March 16, 2017
Details of Ramirez’s contract were revealed earlier this week. In addition to being entitled to unlimited sushi, he’ll have access to his own hotel suite for away games and Mercedes with a personal driver. Practices are optional as well.
Ramirez, who will wear a No. 99 jersey with “Manny” stitched on the back, last played at the Major League level in 2011. The Cubs hired him in 2014 to serve as a hitting consultant.
(h/t @BenBadler)