Rafael Palmeiro, Former Texas Ranger, Returns To Baseball At 53

CLEBURNE, TX — A lauded MLB All-Star announced Tuesday he will return to baseball nearly 13 years after his last major league game.

Rafael Palmiero, who played 10 years with the Texas Rangers between 1989 and 2003, will take up the bat alongside his son, 28-year-old Patrick, during his reemergence in the independent American Association.

Palmiero told the Dallas Morning News he is excited for his return.

"I'm looking forward to it," Palmeiro said via text on Tuesday. "Nobody gave me a chance to go to spring training, so I will just take this path."

Palmiero first announced his comeback attempt in January, telling The News he wanted to compete despite the impact it could have on his career.

"I just know that I want to compete at the highest level, to contribute to a team and to contribute in other areas as well," Palmeiro told the Morning News in January. "I believe I have a lot to offer. I don't know what it will do for my career, but how much more can my career be damaged at this point? I'm not sure there is much more for me to lose. But I do think there is something to be gained and not just for myself. I believe it could be a win-win."

The Railroaders is scheduled to open it's season on May 18 against the Winnipeg Gold Eyes.

>>> Read more via Sports Day (Dallas Morning News).

Getty images file photo: Rafael Palmeiro #25 of the Baltimore Orioles watches from the dugout as his team plays against the Toronto Blue Jays August 12, 2005 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland. Palmeiro announced he will join the Cleburne Railroaders for the 2018 season. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)