Sports Frog

29 months after considering retirement, centuries after being one of baseball's top pitching prospects and then busts, Rick Ankiel returned to the Cardinals lineup on Thursday night as their starting right-fielder.

And the 28 year-old Florida native, made his re-debut a moment to remember, blasting a three run homerun off Doug Brocail in the 7th inning to seal a Cards victory.

As reported by seasoned swamper, Sabo:

When they announced Ankiel was starting in right field and batting second, the crowd erupted in applause. When he stepped up to plate in the bottom of the first inning, he received a standing ovation. Each at bat he received a welcome round of applause.

The home run ... wow. As soon as he hit it, everyone stood on their feet. It wasn't a no-doubter, but everyone knew it was close. When the ball carried the wall, Ankiel gave a small fist pump as he rounded first base. The cheer was one of the loudest cheers I've heard in a baseball game. When he crossed home plate and walked into the dugout, Ankiel buried his head in his hands. If he wasn't crying, he should have been.

No one cared that Pujols was at the plate, or that he took the next pitch for a ball. All eyes were on the dugout. Ankiel appeased the crowd by coming out quickly and tipping his cap.

What a wonderful night.