A Spaceman Returns to Baseball

I don't think I can say this many more times, but the Independent Leagues are a source of great baseball, and entertainment.

In previous months we have seen a female knuckleballer sign with the Chico Outlaws of the Golden Baseball League;  Mark Prior, former first-round pick of the Chicago Cubs, become an Orange County Flyer in the same GBL, and just recently, steroid guru,\ Jose Canseco signed with the Laredo Broncos of United League Baseball. 

You ask, can it can get any better?

It can, and it did!

The Brockton Rox of the Can-Am League has signed an astronaut—sort of.

The Spaceman Bill Lee, according to the telegram.com, has signed with the Brockton Rox to pitch in their season finale against the Worcester Tornadoes.

Lee has caused some controversy recently with his comments about George Steinbrenner:

"As far as Steinbrenner's passing? Good," Lee said. "Trust me, if hell freezes over, he'll be skating...He may have been good for the Yankees organization, but he was definitely a thorn in my side..He said I was an incompetent and I was bad for the game of baseball. Well, I'm not a convicted felon like George Steinbrenner, and he'll take that to his grave...I have no sadness. I'm Irish, I'm Catholic, and when you're gone, you're gone."

For those of you that remember Lee in his heyday of the 70's, Lee was as good as they come.

Three consecutive 17 wins seasons with the Boston Red Sox and nearly 2,000 innings pitched.  Combine that with 119 career wins and a memorable 1975-playoff appearance and there's no doubt that Lee's numbers were very impressive.

However, Lee might be most remembered for his off-the-wall comments, his eccentric behaviour, or maybe the "Leephus."  When it comes down to it, it will be a great day to see Lee back on the hill.

"An event" in my eyes, is what makes this game great. Despite all the nonsense about steroids, congress, HGH, and now, leaked documents, baseball is a game to be enjoyed in small towns, with family and for the pure joy of playing it.

This article can also be found on The GM's Perspective