From Deseret News archives:
A cancer-free Galarraga is back
Not only is the veteran slugger more than twice the age of 21-year-old first baseman Casey Kotchman, he's also two years older than manager Mike Brumley.
Grecian Formula could make a mint off this guy. Even so, his aged appearance is deceiving. At 43, Galarraga isn't a veteran slugger trying to hang on. He's merely bouncing back, again.
A recurrence of non-Hodgkins lymphoma, which kept him out of baseball for the entire 1999 season, led to surgery in February that kept Galarraga sidelined until late June. Now cancer-free, he's hopeful of returning to the major leagues for a 19th season.
And though he's happy with his career in the big leagues — 398 home runs, 2,330 hits, 1,438 RBIs and a .288 batting average in 2,250 games — Galarraga would love to reach the 400 homer plateau. He's currently tied with Dale Murphy for 40th on the all-time list.
"It's something personal," said Galarraga, who made his debut with the Stingers Thursday after signing a minor league contract with the Anaheim Angels earlier in the week. "I love baseball. It's what I love. My body told me I can do it, so why not give it a try."
If all goes well, the "Big Cat" hopes to be back in the majors in a week or so. And he's quite appreciative of the opportunity to do so with a pennant contender like the Angels. Galarraga is convinced he can contribute.
"That's why I'm here," he said while acknowledging a quick call up will also benefit his quest for 400 homers. "I know I'm not an everyday player now. I just play once in a while. That's why I want to get up there as soon as possible."
In his debut with Salt Lake, a 6-1 loss to Omaha at Franklin Covey Field, Galarraga went 0-for-4. It was his first action since 2003 when he hit .301 with 12 homers and 42 RBIs in 110 games with the San Francisco Giants.
"I feel good. Mentally, physically, everything's fine," said Galarraga. "I just need to see a couple pitches to find the timing and to be more comfortable around home plate."
On the Angels web site (www.angelsbaseball.com), Anaheim manager Mike Scioscia said if Galarraga is "productive and doing some of the things he's done in the past, he's a guy you make room for."
In the meantime, Brumley is glad to have him in Salt Lake as he works his way back into shape.
