Greenberg to return to majors for another at-bat
Seven years after Adam Greenberg was struck in the head by a pitch during his first major-league plate appearance, he'll get another shot at the big leagues with the Miami Marlins.
The Marlins received Major League Baseball's approval to sign Greenberg to a one-day contract. Marlins president David Samson guaranteed Greenberg, 31, would get one at-bat next Tuesday in a game against the New York Mets.
Greenberg never played in the majors again after Marlins pitcher Valerio de los Santos plunked him in 2005 while with the Chicago Cubs. Greenberg has experienced vertigo, vision problems and post-concussion syndrome since then.
"I'm ready," Greenberg told the Today Show on Thursday. "From the bottom of my heart, I'll be ready for it."
Greenberg's only game was July 9, 2005, when he was hit in the back of the head by a fastball from Valerio de los Santos. It was considered a plate appearance in major league records and not an at-bat. It's the only time a player has been hit with the first pitch thrown to him in the majors.
"I'm extremely proud to extend this opportunity to Adam," Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria said in a statement. "He has earned this chance as his love and passion for the game never diminished, despite his career tragically being cut short. I look forward to seeing Adam step up to the plate and realizing his comeback dream next Tuesday night."
