Adam Greenberg Miami Marlins signing Today Show: Marlins sign Greenberg to a one-day contract

Outstanding gesture by the Miami Marlins Get your Marlins Tickets now! to sign former Chicago Cubs prospect Adam Greenberg to a one-day deal next Tuesday.

And good timing, too, considering the constant soap opera swirling around the Marlins these days.

Greenberg, 31, was hit in the back of the helmet by former Marlins reliever Valerio de los Santos on July 9, 2005. Greenberg has since bounced around the minors and independent leagues, but an at-bat on Tuesday against the Mets at Marlins Park will enable him to remove his name from the record book.

Fred Van Dusen of the 1955 Phillies is the only other player in major league history to be hit by pitch in his only career plate appearance.

“I’m extremely proud to extend this opportunity to Adam,” Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria said. “He has earned this chance as his love and passion for the game never diminished, despite his career tragically being cut short. I look forward to seeing Adam step up to the plate and realizing his comeback dream next Tuesday night.” 

Greenberg, who was plagued by vertigo in the aftermath of his beaning, has agreed to donate his one-day salary to the Marlins Foundation. The Marlins will then make a donation to the Sports Legacy Institute, an organization that advances the study, treatment and prevention of the effects of brain trauma in athletes and other at-risk groups.

Greenberg started the One AB campaign to raise awareness for brain trauma in sports.

A native of New Haven, Conn., Greenberg was originally drafted by the Cubs in 2001 out of the University of North Carolina. He recently played for Israel in the World Baseball Classic qualifying round in Jupiter, September 19-23, walking in his only plate appearance.

The Marlins conclude their season next Wednesday at home.