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Manny Ramirez's Japan contract: Unlimited sushi, no practice

By Alex Butler
Manny Ramirez of the Oakland Athletics warms up with a weight bat before taking his swings during batting practice before the Athletics Cactus League spring training game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Phoenix Municipal Stadium in Phoenix, Arizona on March 7, 2012. UPI/Art Foxall
1 of 3 | Manny Ramirez of the Oakland Athletics warms up with a weight bat before taking his swings during batting practice before the Athletics Cactus League spring training game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Phoenix Municipal Stadium in Phoenix, Arizona on March 7, 2012. UPI/Art Foxall | License Photo

March 14 (UPI) -- There could be more interest in joining the Kochi Fighting Dogs.

Former Major League Baseball slugger Manny Ramirez signed with the Shikoku Island League Plus team in Japan last month. The 44-year-old's contract with the team is unprecedented.

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The Boston Globe uncovered the details of the deal recently, supplied by yakyudb.com.

As part of his contract, Ramirez will be driven around in a Mercedes. He is staying at a suite in a hotel valued at about $80,000 yen each night. He was promised unlimited sushi while he is with the team. His practices are optional.

Ramirez practiced with the team on March 10.

Wanna thank bases loaded for having us today to sign Manny. Thank you guys

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The former Boston Red Sox slasher won two World Series titles, a batting title, and was sent to the All-Star Game 12 times. He hit .312 and had 555 home runs during his 19-year career. Ramirez led baseball with a .349 batting average in 2002.

It's official manny will be joining us for the 2017 season.

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He hasn't played in a live baseball game since appearing in the 2014 Dominican Winter League. Ramirez will wear No. 99, with 'Manny' sewn on the back.

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