Shaun Suisham returns to Dallas. Javier Vasquez is back in the Bronx. What is this, turn-back-the-clock night? Maybe these players — like some of their predecessors — will find that their new homes are a better fit the second time around:
5. Mark Messier » Best-known for leading the 1994 Rangers to their first Stanley Cup in 54 years, Messier left New York in 1997, only to return three years later. His second stint was not as prosperous — only 67 goals in four seasons.
4. Kenny Lofton » The speedy center fielder stole 325 bases for the Indians from 1992-1996 and then took a one-year hiatus in Atlanta. He returned to Cleveland, swiping 54 bags in 1998, but slumping to a .261 average in 2001.
3. Jason Kidd » Once upon a time, Kidd was an up-and-coming guard with the Mavericks from 1994-1997. He led New Jersey to consecutive trips to the NBA Finals before returning to Dallas, where he has averaged 9.1 apg the last two years.
2. Andy Pettitte » A cornerstone of the Yankees’ dynasty, Pettitte was 149-78 from 1995-2003 before joining the Astros as a free agent. After three years in Houston, he returned to New York in 2007, winning 43 games and his fifth World Series.
1. Fran Tarkenton » He spent six years as a young gunslinger in Minnesota, and then threw 103 touchdowns in five seasons for the New York Giants. Tarkenton returned to the Vikings from 1972-1978 and led them to three Super Bowls.
