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More than a dozen years after he last appeared in a major-league game, Rafael Palmeiro says he is eyeing a return to professional baseball.

In a story published Wednesday, the now 53-year-old Palmeiro tells The Athletic that there's "no doubt" in his mind he can mount a comeback and be an effective player at the major-league level. The oldest position player to play regularly at the major-league level was Julio Franco, who retired in 2007 at 49.

"I want to prove to myself I can do it on a high level," Palmeiro told The Athletic.

Palmeiro added that he believes he could earn a job in spring training and would not have to climb through the minor leagues.