Imagine hearing that little nugget of information at new Busch Stadium sometime in September 2010. Wouldn't that just blow your mind?
Well, apparently, that's what Tony LaRussa is dreaming about these days.
I'm sure the guy could still step in and drive one out of the park every now and then, but I think he's more likely to strike out than he is to homer in a clutch situation after not having played for 7 or 8 years.
Not to mention the fact that this would wreak havoc on the Baseball Hall of Fame voting. If he has one pinch hitting experience, then you have to stop putting his name on the ballot for another five years, and then give him the rest of his 12 more years of eligibility.
The only other player that I can think of that has ever had this happen was Jose Rijo. Here's the note from the article about Rijo:
"There is past precedent for making the move La Russa says he would consider: Cincinnati Reds pitcher Jose Rijo, for example, first appeared on the Hall of Fame ballot in 2001 and received one vote, then unretired in 2001-2002 and started the process all over, appearing on the ballot again in 2007."
I love Jose Rijo, but he's no Mark McGwire, and this would be very interesting if it happens, as to whether the additional time away from the ballot actually helps McGwire's cause for making the Hall.
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