Vladimir Guerrero Signs One Year Deal With Long Island Ducks

Former Major League Baseball All-Star Vladimir Guerrero has signed a one-year contract to play for the Long Island Ducks of the independent Atlantic League.

FoxSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal first reported the news, and the team has since confirmed.

Guerrero, 38, has previously played for the Expos, Angels, Rangers and most recently the Orioles in 2011. He also had a minor league deal with the Toronto Blue Jays’ organization in 2012 but was given his unconditional release.

Over the course of his 16 major league career, Vladimir has pieced together a .318 batting average with 2,590 hits, 449 home runs and 1,496 runs batted in over 2,147 big league games.

He also won the 2004 American League MVP award as a member of the Anaheim Angels, when he batted .337 with 39 home runs and 126 RBI.

“My ultimate goal is to make it back to the major leagues and attempt to reach 500 home runs as soon as possible,” Guerrero said in a statement. “I own a home on Long Island and am also very comfortable there. I am very grateful and excited for the opportunity Long Island Ducks GM Michael Pfaff has given me and I can’t wait to help them win.”

Guerrero isn’t the only former big-leaguer attempting to make a comeback. Dontrelle Willis, who announced his retirement back in July 2012, has also reportedly signed a deal with the Ducks.

Willis, 31, enjoyed his greatest success with the Marlins and owns a career major league record of 72-69 with a 4.17 ERA over nine seasons.

He last pitched in the majors in 2011 with Cincinnati and posted a 5.00 ERA while striking out 57 batters and walking 37.

“Dontrelle has had a great deal of success at the major league level,” Ducks president and general manager Michael Pfaff said. “We are eager to add him to our pitching staff and excited to have him join the Atlantic League.”

The Ducks, who won the Atlantic League championship in 2012, kick off their season April 18.

Via ESPN