Manny Ramirez is scheduled to begin the season on Thursday for the Sydney Blue Sox in the Australian Baseball League.

The 48-year-old is a 12-time Major League All-Star.

"We knew there'd be a Manny show but it's been a pleasure," manager Shane Barclay said. "The buy-in from [Ramirez] has been magnificent and just watching him swing a bat, you're going, 'There's no way this guy is 48.'

"He's an incredible athlete. He's legit and here to play and bought in in every way. He's going to hit some long balls this season."