BALTIMORE (AP) — Lew Ford’s five-year wait to return to the major leagues is over.

Ford’s contract was purchased from Triple-A Norfolk on Sunday by the Baltimore Orioles. In his first game since 2007, Ford was slated to bat fifth and play left field against the Oakland Athletics.

The 35-year-old Ford batted .272 with 32 homers from 2003-07 with Minnesota. He played in Japan, Mexico and the independent Atlantic League before the Orioles signed him to a minor league contract in May.

Before arriving in the Baltimore clubhouse, Ford posted this on Twitter: “The tougher the battle the sweeter the victory. This is crazy I’m back! Thank you everyone who supported and believed.”

The Orioles made room for the veteran outfielder by optioning pitcher Miguel Socolovich to Norfolk late Saturday night.

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