Right fielder Magglio Ordonez is slated to start right field in game 5 of the ALDS Thursday night. However Ordonez’s trek to the postseason with the Tigers almost never came to be.
The veteran Tiger recently told CBS Sports’ Danny Knobler that he almost retired a few months ago due to lingering issues with his surgically repaired ankle…
“When I was playing, I didn’t enjoy the game,” he said. “And I play with my heart.”
It was at that point Knobler said that Ordonez almost hung them up. After discussing the situation with his family Ordonez decided to stick around.
Things certainly got better the final 21 games of the regular season for Ordonez as he hit .365/.377/.459. In terms of the ankle, Ordonez says that it feels normal like it did before the surgery.
These revelations about Ordonez may give us a good glimpse at what his intentions may be next season.
Ref: MLBTradeRumors.com, CBS Sports, Zimbio (image)
