The Manny Ramirez era in Iowa has officially begun.

Ramirez made his debut with the Iowa Cubs on Thursday, batting sixth and playing left field in the second game of a double header.

The 42-year-old has been out of the majors since 2011, and looked rusty as he went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in the Cubs' 7-6 loss to the Colorado Springs Sky Sox.

Despite the struggles at the dish, the day was more about Ramirez getting comfortable than getting results.

"I was just trying to get to know everybody," he told MLB.com. "First just trying to be their friend, then when I get some confidence with them then I'll say, 'Hey, I'll tell you something.' But I don't want to come out right away and say, 'You're doing this and doing that.'"

Ramirez began his Cubs career by reaching on an error through the left side of the infield.