Oriole Reunion in Senior League

CLEVELAND —  A Weaver-Palmer reunion?

Earl Weaver will be named manager of the Gold Coast Suns of the senior professional baseball league, according to a report in the Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) Sun-Sentinel on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Jim Palmer said he might come out of retirement to pitch in the new league -- possibly for Weaver, his old sparring partner with the Baltimore Orioles.

“I’d rather just do broadcasting and get on him more,” Palmer said. “But I’ve been getting a bunch of calls from people ... I’ve been thinking about it.”

Palmer, 43, said he will throw for the next month, and then decide if he’s physically capable of playing baseball again.

Weaver could not be reached for comment, but sources told the Sun-Sentinel that he has accepted the job and will be named manager of the Miami-based franchise next week.

It’s a natural for Weaver, who resides in Hialeah, Fla., just outside Miami. The league is expected to begin play in November and continue through the winter.

“The golf courses are crowded during those months,” Weaver said recently. “The league is an interesting concept. Even if I don’t manage I’ll still go to a number of games.”

Would Weaver ask for more money if Palmer signs with Gold Coast? The question is premature, but Palmer is giving the senior league serious thought.

Part of the reason, Palmer said, is because his broadcasting future is uncertain. He has done color for 12 years on ABC, but CBS will have the network baseball contract next year.

Palmer also is in his first season as the Orioles’ play-by-play announcer. But even if he returns in that capacity, he could pitch in the 35-and-over league.

Amazingly enough, Palmer was not among the players “drafted” by the league, but it is doubtful he would be spurned one year before he becomes eligible for the Hall of Fame.

“I don’t need to do it,” he said. “The big thing when I retired was my arm. But I needed knee surgery. I would look at it as enjoyment. I don’t know how my body will respond.

“I’ve got to look at this realistically,” said Palmer, who plays tennis and remains in excellent shape. “I can’t pitch 375 innings.”

Palmer won 20 games eight times and earned three Cy Young Awards during his career with the Orioles from 1965 to 1984. His 2.86 lifetime earned run average is fourth on the all-time list.

Weaver compiled a .583 career winning percentage in 17 seasons as Orioles manager, leading the club to five World Series. He re-enacted his famous feud with Palmer at Old-Timers Day in Baltimore earlier this season.

Weaver said he would not return to baseball after resigning as Orioles manager after the 1986 season. But he showed interest in the senior league when the West Palm Beach, Fla., club hired Dick Williams as manager.

“The league should be very enjoyable,” Weaver said. “It’s something people are going to like.”

Especially if it reunites friendly adversaries like Weaver and Palmer.