In May of this year, it was announced that Cuban pitching legend Pedro Luis Lazo would be un-retiring to join the Campeche Pirates of the Mexican League.  From Pedro Luis Lazo Honoured:

Over 21 seasons, Lazo amassed a record of 257-136. He is second all-time in strikeouts at 2,426, just behind Rogelio Garcia’s 2,499. Pedro Lazo was a stud on the international stage, and dominated Mexico in the 2009 World Baseball Classic, pitching 4.1 innings of scoreless relief.

At age 39, the Cuban Skyscraper joined Campeche after a 14-month layoff.  No longer a starter, Lazo began as a middle reliever before assuming a late-inning role.

Lazo proved that he’s still got the magic.  While his BB/9 was a little high at 3.25, opposing batters struggled to get on base when putting the ball in play.  Lazo finished with a 1.05 WHIP while striking out 8.5 for every nine innings pitched.  Not bad for an old man.  Unfortunately, Lazo had minimal effect in helping the middling Piratas team into a playoff spot – they finished 6.5 games back.

There has been no word yet on whether Lazo will return for a second season in the Mexican League.  Considering his success, combined with the Cuban goverment’s desire to get paid, chances are good that this is not the last time we’ll see Lazo play professionally.

Images courtesy of the Piratas de Campeche and MiLB.com.