Rick Ankiel plans to return as a pitcher – if he can 'suppress the anxiety'
Days after saying that he was "toying with" the idea of returning to pitching professionally, 39-year-old Rick Ankiel revealed his plan to give it a shot in 2019.
Ankiel hasn't pitched professionally since 2004, but said Monday during an appearance on Fox Sports Midwest that he wants to try becoming a relief pitcher.
"My kids want to see me play," the lefty said. "I'm at a place now personally that I could care less if I throw the ball off the backstop."
Ankiel famously came down with the yips during the postseason in 2000 and was never able to regain his form as a pitcher. He later became a full-time outfielder and hit 74 home runs from 2007-2013 with the Cardinals, Royals, Braves, Nationals, Astros and Mets.
"When I take a look at pros and cons, I could make a whole list of pros," Ankiel said. "Nothing on the cons."
Ankiel said that he is currently working with a kid who deals with the yips, and over the next few months is going to try getting into shape and continue his progress mentally.
"If I feel like I can suppress the anxiety – which I feel like I can – and everything is a go, I figure why not?"