It's difficult to fathom life after spending over two decades in prison as an innocent person. That's what Nevest Coleman experienced, and now as a newly exonerated man, he has returned to his former job.

According to the Chicago Tribune, Coleman worked on the Chicago White Sox's groundskeeping crew when he was charged for rape and murder. After Coleman's trial in 1997, prosecutors pushed for the death penalty, but many character witnesses (including three White Sox employees) stood up for him. He spent 23 years in prison before a DNA evidence test cleared his name, and he was subsequently exonerated by a Cook County judge.

Following his newfound freedom, Coleman reunited with the Chicago White Sox staff, for which he last worked in 1994.

“I saved your spot for you,” head groundskeeper Roger “The Sodfather” Bossard told Coleman as he got to walk the field again after so many years. “I knew you’d be back.”

“Just remember, I’m counting on you to help me with that tarp, too,” Bossard added.

“I’m ready,” replied Coleman.

Coleman was released from prison in November, and would often mention his dreams of returning to the White Sox crew.

“I want to sit back for a while, get to know my family, and when the time comes around, go back to Comiskey Park,” Coleman recalled saying of his post-release goals.

The team heard of his story and agreed to invite him back to a job interview. Of course, the interview went well and Coleman was welcomed back to the staff.

“We’re grateful that after more than two decades, justice has been carried out for Nevest,” the team released in an official statement. “It has been a long time, but we’re thrilled that we have the opportunity to welcome him back to the White Sox family. We’re looking forward to having Nevest back on Opening Day at home in our ballpark.”

Nevest Coleman

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