Directory:Manny Ramírez

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Manuel Aristides "Manny" Ramírez (born May 30, 1972 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic) is a left fielder for the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball. In 1985, he joined his mother and father who relocated from the Dominican Republic to the Washington Heights section of Manhattan. He joined the Red Sox in 2001, after spending the first part of his career with the Cleveland Indians (1993-2000).

Career

Cleveland years

From 1993 to 2000, Ramírez collected 236 home runs and 804 RBI in 967 games for the Cleveland Indians, including a career-high 45 home runs in 1998, and a career-high 165 RBI in 1999, when he hit .333 with 44 homers and scored 131 runs (also a career high). His 165 RBI in 1999 was the highest total by any player since Jimmie Foxx (1938). His 1999 season was all the more impressive since he only played in 147 games. During his time in Cleveland he played in two World Series, the first coming in 1995 and again in 1997.

2003 season

In the summer of 2003, after missing several games with pharyngitis, Ramírez was quoted as saying, "David Ortiz is my Big Papi.". He was then criticized by the Boston sports media and many fans. When it became public that he was spotted in a bar (in the same hotel where Ramírez lives) with a close friend, Yankees infielder Enrique Wilson when Ramirez was supposedly too ill to play baseball, the controversy grew, causing Boston manager Grady Little to bench Ramírez for one game. Despite his strong play in the 2003 post-season, Ramírez's Red Sox lost in heartbreaking fashion to the Yankees in a seven game showdown in the ALCS. The new Red Sox ownership and management, trying to rid themselves of his massive contract, put Ramirez on irrevocable waivers, thus making him available to any team willing to assume the remainder of his contract. However, all 29 other teams passed on the opportunity to claim Ramirez.

2004 season

In 2004, Ramírez led the American League in home runs (43), slugging percentage (.613) and OPS (1.009); he also finished third in RBI (130), sixth in on base percentage (.397), eighth in base on balls (82), tenth in runs (108), and posted a .308 batting average.

In addition, Ramírez and David Ortiz became the first pair of American League teammates to hit 40 home runs, have 100 RBI, and bat .300 since the Yankees' Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig in 1931. Also along with Ortiz, Ramírez hit back-to-back home runs six times, tying the major league single-season mark set by Hank Greenberg and Rudy York (Detroit Tigers) and Frank Thomas and Magglio Ordóñez (Chicago White Sox).

In the All-Star Game, facing Roger Clemens in the top of the first inning, Ramírez hit a two-run home run, giving his teammates an immediate 3-0 lead. Along with Derek Jeter (a single), Ichiro Suzuki (a double) and Iván Rodríguez (a triple), Ramírez and company became the first All-Star quartet to hit for the cycle during the same inning. His season was capped off by being named the MVP of the World Series as the Red Sox won their first title since 1918.

2005 season

On May 15, Ramírez hit his 400th home run, off Gil Meche of the Seattle Mariners. Ramírez is one of only 45 MLB players in the 400 home run club. On July 5, Ramírez hit his 20th career grand slam —and his third of the season— off Chris Young of the Texas Rangers. Only Lou Gehrig, with 23, has hit more.

Off the field, 2005 Major League Baseball was one of much conflict for Ramírez. Persistent trade rumors (generally involving the New York Mets) dogged him all season. After the Red Sox were eliminated in the first round of that year's playoffs, Ramírez once again expressed a wish to be traded. This included a threat to not show up for spring training if his latest demand was not met by Red Sox GM Theo Epstein. Toward this end, in December 2005, Ramírez put his Ritz-Carlton condominium up for sale.

Trade rumors circulated with Ramírez possibly going to the Baltimore Orioles or Mets, but no deal was reached. By January 5, 2006 Ramírez had changed his mind, stating to ESPN Deportes he was dropping the demand. His agents, in turn, insisted their client was still open to a trade.[1]

2006 Season

On June 10 Ramírez became the 31st player in history to hit 450 home runs, with a solo shot off Francisco Cordero of the Texas Rangers. Three weeks later, on July 1, he collected his 2000th hit. The remainder of the season was feast or famine for Ramírez: beginning in mid-July, he had a 28-game hitting streak, including 12 multi-hit games, 8 HR, and 28 RBI. But from mid-August on, Ramírez missed 28 games with soreness in his right knee.

2007 Season

File:Manny Ramírez 2.jpg
Manny Ramírez at bat during Spring Training of 2007.

On April 22, Ramírez was the first of four Red Sox batters to homer in consecutive at-bats in a game against the Yankees. This tied the major-league record. All of the home runs were hit against Yankee pitcher Chase Wright.[2] On April 29, Ramírez became the fifth player to hit at least 50 career home runs against the New York Yankees.

Ramírez had a much below average year, finishing with a .296 batting average, 20 home runs, and 88 runs batted in. His season was cut short when he strained his left oblique in late August during a New York Yankees series. Manny did return to the lineup for the final home stand of the season. In 2007, he had the lowest range factor of all AL left fielders, 1.72, and the lowest zone rating of all major league left fielders, .713.

In the postseason, Ramírez hit a walk-off 3-run home run in Game 2 of the American League Division Series off Francisco Rodriguez in the bottom of the 9th inning against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. In the fourth inning of the series's final game, Ramirez combined with teammate David Ortiz to hit back-to-back home runs off pitcher Jered Weaver. This home run tied him with Bernie Williams for first place all-time in postseason home runs.[3] On October 13th, Ramirez hit his 23rd postseason home run, passing Bernie Williams for the most all-time.

He also helped the Red Sox make it and win the 2007 World Series. He helped the Sox sweep in the World Series against the Colorado Rockies. In the 2007 Postseason, Ramírez batted .348 with 4 home runs and 16 RBI.

2008 Season

As of the beginning of the 2008 season in Japan, Ramirez was only eight home runs away from reaching the exclusive 500 HR club. Ramirez hit a solo HR in Japan in the sixth inning of the game.

As of April 19, Ramirez has 20 RBIs, 6 home runs, and is batting .342. He also hit 2 home runs in a win over the Yankees.

Personal life

Though originally from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Ramírez grew up in Washington Heights, a predominantly Dominican neighborhood in New York City. He played the outfield while attending George Washington High School in this same neighborhood from 1989-1991.

Despite growing up in New York City, Ramírez was a devoted fan of the Toronto Blue Jays in the 1980s because of their numerous Latin American players, including Dominicans Tony Fernández and George Bell.[4]

In 2004, Ramírez missed a Red Sox game to become an American citizen. He entered the next game running onto the field to a standing ovation while carrying a small American flag held in his hand.Template:Fact

Ramirez has three sons: Manuelito "Manny" Ramírez (b. 1995) from a previous relationship; Manny Ramírez, Jr. (b. 2003), and Lucas Ramírez (b. February 2006) with his current wife Juliana. In the offseason, the family lives in Pembroke Pines, Florida.

Personality

File:Manny asking Umpire2.jpg
Manny Ramírez asks the first base umpire if he went around on a swing.
  • Many stories portray Ramírez as a carefree, naïve individual whose concentration is directed solely on playing baseball. For example, one story (reminiscent of Yogi Berra) took place in his early years with the Cleveland Indians in June 1994. As teammates were gathered in the Indians clubhouse watching news of the O.J. Simpson Bronco chase, Ramirez asked what was going on. A player responded that "they are chasing O.J.", to which Ramirez responded in disbelief, "What did Chad do?" (in reference to their current teammate Chad Ogea, who was likely in the same clubhouse just several feet away).[5]
  • In an era when many players have abandoned knickers in favor of ankle-length close-cut trousers, Ramirez's uniform pants take this trend a step further; they are somewhat baggy and nearly cup under the heels of his shoes.

Though his hitting ability is undeniable, Ramírez has periodically displayed a lack of enthusiasm and/or concentration, with mental lapses in both the outfield or running the bases. These incidents are described as just "Manny Being Manny." The phrase has entered the lexicon of Boston sports fans. In fact, the phrase has been acknowledged and given most of its initial promotion by Ramírez himself. It was coined on July 18, 2005, when Ramírez disappeared into the "Green Monster" during a visit to the mound by pitching coach Dave Wallace with two outs in the top of the 6th inning. When pitcher Wade Miller[6] was ready to resume pitching, Ramirez was nowhere to be found. It is suggested he went to use the bathroom, but there are no toilet facilities inside the scoreboard area. Manny has returned to the wall several times since during pitching changes, but has always returned on time. Ramirez has also been seen playing left field at Fenway with a water bottle in his back pocket and while wearing MP3-playing sunglasses.[7][8]

Despite his reputation for lackadaisical conduct, Ramirez is known by his teammates and coaches as a serious athlete who shows up early at the ballpark, keeps himself in good physical shape, and spends extra time in the batting cages working on his swing.

Other incidents of "Manny Being Manny"
  • The Original Incident April 4, 1994 - In his first game of his rookie season, Manny hit a two run double in the eighth to tie the game. After the double the announcers commented on how he is a tremendous young hitter, but his concentration has been questioned. Manny was then picked off at second base by the catcher. Ramirez was pinch run for in the 10th inning after drawing a walk.[9]
  • December 10, 2001 - Ramírez, in his first season with Boston, claims he is uncomfortable, prompting the new ownership group to create a separate interview room, to ease Manny's transition with the Red Sox.[10]
  • May 18, 2002 - Loses diamond earring sliding into third base during a rehab start with the Pawtucket Red Sox. After the game, 13 PawSox players and the Syracuse grounds crew combed the third base area and found the stud, but not the diamond that was worth a reported $15,000.[11]
  • August 30, 2003 - Manny misses several games with pharyngitis amid media speculation that he is well enough to play. When the New York Yankees come to town to play, Manny is still too sick to play, but is seen at the downstairs bar of his hotel with former Yankees player and close friend Enrique Wilson.[15]
  • July 21, 2004 - From his spot in left-center field, Manny inexplicably makes a diving play to cut off a relay throw from center fielder Johnny Damon, allowing David Newhan of the Orioles to score on an inside-the-park home run.[17]
  • July 31, 2005 - After heavy speculation that he would force a trade, Manny enters the game versus the Minnesota Twins as a pinch-hitter in the bottom of the 8th inning, to a standing ovation 54 minutes after the 4:00 trading deadline had passed (he had been booed his two previous games). Ramírez proceeds to chop an RBI single up the middle off Juan Rincon that would prove to be the game-winning hit. After the game, Ramirez is quoted as saying, "Forget about the trade, man. This is the place I want to be, man. It's great, man. They love me here, man. This is the place to be. 'Manny being Manny,' he's great, man... we've been through a lot, this is the place for me, I'm just happy to be here... I'm back!"[18][19]
  • August 24, 2005 - Ramírez, up with one out and the bases loaded, hits a ground ball but doesn't run down the first base line, resulting in an inning-ending double play. The Kansas City Royals rally to tie the game, and eventually win in extra innings.[20]
  • October 17, 2007 - With the Red Sox trailing Cleveland 3-1 in the ALCS, Ramirez told reporters that if the Red Sox were eliminated, it wouldn't be "the end of the world." Though Ramirez faced criticism in the media for his statement, his team would go on to win their next 7 games to win the ALCS and World Series.[21]
  • October 18, 2007 - In game five of the ALCS at Jacobs Field, Ramírez hit a fly ball to deep center field that bounced off the top of the outfield wall and back into play. Ramírez, assuming he had hit a home run, casually strolled to first base and was forced to settle for a single instead of an easy double after it was ruled that the ball had never left the field.[22]
  • October 27, 2007 - In game three of the World Series, Ramírez was thrown out during a controversial play at home plate. Manny often flips his helmet off while he is running the bases, to help pick up speed. In this instance, replays show that Manny's helmet bounced off of his heel, causing him to stutter-step as he rounded third base.[23]

Off the field

  • In 2007, Manny released a charity wine called Manny Being Merlot with 100% of the proceeds supporting The CHARLEE Program, providing therapeutic, residential, and supportive services to abused, abandoned, and neglected children. This effort raised more than $100,000.
  • In 2007, Ramirez requested and received permission from the Red Sox to arrive late to Spring Training for family reasons. It was later revealed that during his absence Ramirez was scheduled to appear at the Atlantic City Classic car Auction.[24] It is unclear whether the appearance was scheduled before or after the family situation. Ramirez chose not to attend the auction.[25] A remodelled car that Ramirez had put up for bidding at the auction did not generate a high enough bid to be sold.[26]

Trivia

Template:Trivia

  • Enjoys Reggaeton.[27]
  • Favorite movie is The Matrix.[28]
  • His signature two-handed point after making great plays has been embraced by Boston fans and has been imitated by players such as fellow Red Sox and former teammates.[29]
  • Has said "I don't worry about my numbers. I'm just going out there having fun. You only live one time. You want to make sure you go out there and play hard and have fun. That's what it's all about."[30]
  • Lives at the Ritz-Carlton in Boston.[31]
  • Has distributed t-shirts displaying the phrase "Manny Being Manny".[32]

Highlights

Template:Trivia

  • All-time post-season home run leader (24)
  • 2nd all-time in grand slams (20)
  • Tied with Pete Rose for longest LCS hitting streak (15)
  • 11-time All-Star (1995, 1998-2007)
  • 2-Time World Series Champion (Boston, 2004, 2007)
  • World Series MVP Award (2004)
  • 2-time Hank Aaron Award (1999, 2004)
  • 9-time Silver Slugger Award (1995, 1999-2006)
  • American League batting crown (2002, .349)
  • Led AL in home runs (2004, 43)
  • Led AL in RBI (1999, 165)
  • 3-time led AL in slugging percentage (1999-2000, 2004)
  • 3-time led AL in OPS (1999-2000, 2004)
  • 3-time led AL in on base percentage (2002-03, 2006)
  • Twice led AL in intentional walks (2001, 2003)
  • 9 straight seasons of at least 30 HR and 100 RBI. (1998-2006, tied for 3rd longest in history)
  • 8-time Top 10 AL in total bases (1996-99, 2001,2003-05)
  • 8-time Top 10 AL MVP (1998-2004)
  • 9-time Top 10 AL in home runs (1998-2006)
  • 8-time Top 10 AL in RBI (1995, 1998, 1999-2001, 2004, 2005)
  • 5-time Top 10 AL hitters (1997, 1999-2000, 2003, 2006)
  • 6-time Top 10 AL in times on base (1997, 1999, 2003-05)
  • Member of Major League Baseball's Latino Legends Team
  • 28-game hitting streak in 2006

Miscellaneous statistics and facts

  • Career rankings among active players and on the All-Time lists (as of April 19, 2008)
    • .313 batting average - 5th and 59th
    • 496 home runs - 7th and 24th
    • 1624 RBI - 5th and 27th
    • .410 on base percentage - 5th and 17th
    • .594 slugging average - 2nd and 7th
    • 977 extra base hits - 7th and 32nd
    • 1.002 OPS - 4th and 10th
    • 167 intentional walks - 5th and 26th
    • 20 grand slams - 1st and 2nd
    • 24 post season home runs - 1st

Sponsorship deals

Salary History

File:Manny Ramírez.jpg
Ramírez during 2007 spring training.
  • 1993 Cleveland Indians $109,000
  • 1994 Cleveland Indians $111,000
  • 1995 Cleveland Indians $150,000
  • 1996 Cleveland Indians $1,100,000
  • 1997 Cleveland Indians $2,100,000
  • 1998 Cleveland Indians $2,850,000
  • 1999 Cleveland Indians $4,350,000
  • 2000 Cleveland Indians $4,250,000
  • 2001 Boston Red Sox $13,050,000
  • 2002 Boston Red Sox $15,462,727
  • 2003 Boston Red Sox $20,000,000
  • 2004 Boston Red Sox $22,500,000
  • 2005 Boston Red Sox $22,000,000
  • 2006 Boston Red Sox $18,279,238
  • 2007 Boston Red Sox $17,016,381
  • Career $143,328,346

Statistics

As of April 19, 2008

year team G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB SO BA OBP SLG
1993 CLE 22 53 5 9 1 0 2 5 0 2 8 .170 .200 .302
1994 CLE 91 290 51 78 22 0 17 60 4 42 72 .269 .357 .521
1995 CLE 137 484 85 149 26 1 31 107 6 75 112 .308 .402 .558
1996 CLE 152 550 94 170 45 3 33 112 8 85 104 .309 .399 .582
1997 CLE 150 561 99 184 40 0 26 88 2 79 115 .328 .415 .538
1998 CLE 150 571 108 168 35 2 45 145 5 76 121 .294 .377 .599
1999 CLE 147 522 131 174 34 3 44 165 2 96 131 .333 .442 .663
2000 CLE 118 439 92 154 34 2 38 122 1 86 117 .351 .457 .697
2001 BOS 142 529 93 162 33 2 41 125 0 81 147 .306 .405 .609
2002 BOS 120 436 84 152 31 0 33 107 0 73 85 .349 .450 .647
2003 BOS 154 569 117 185 36 1 37 104 3 97 94 .325 .427 .587
2004 BOS 152 568 108 175 44 0 43 130 2 82 124 .308 .397 .613
2005 BOS 152 554 112 162 30 1 45 144 1 80 119 .292 .388 .594
2006 BOS 130 449 79 144 27 1 35 102 0 100 102 .321 .439 .619
2007 BOS 133 483 84 143 33 1 20 88 0 71 92 .296 .388 .493
2008 BOS 19 73 15 25 7 1 6 20 0 8 20 .342 .415 .712
Total 16 years 1969 7131 1357 2234 478 18 496 1624 34 1133 1563 .313 .410 .594

References

  1. ^ Template:Cite news
  2. ^ Template:Cite news
  3. ^ Career Batting Postseason Leaders - Baseball-Reference.com
  4. ^ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>Pierce, Charles P. (2004-07-05). "A Cut Above". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 2007-02-15. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  5. ^ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>Kubatko, Roch (2005-12-14). "Kenny Lofton?". Roch around the clock. The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved 2006-08-10. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  6. ^ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>"Manny's moments: July 31, 2005". The Boston Globe. Retrieved 2006-08-10.
  7. ^ Manny just wants to have fun
  8. ^ Gotta love the entertainers
  9. ^ Cleveland Indians 4, Seattle Mariners 3, Retrosheet
  10. ^ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>"Manny's moments: Dec. 10, 2001". The Boston Globe. Retrieved 2006-08-10.
  11. ^ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>"Manny's moments: [[May 18]], 2002". The Boston Globe. Retrieved 2006-08-10. URL–wikilink conflict (help)
  12. ^ Boston Red Sox - Manny being Manny - The Boston Globe
  13. ^ The Sporting Scene: Waiting for Manny: Reporting & Essays: The New Yorker
  14. ^ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>"Manny's moments: Aug. 29, 2003". The Boston Globe. Retrieved 2006-08-10.
  15. ^ Ramirez's actions raise a red flag
  16. ^ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>"Manny's moments: Labor Day 2003". The Boston Globe. Retrieved 2006-08-10.
  17. ^ Template:Cite news
  18. ^ Template:Cite news
  19. ^ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>"Manny Being Manny". Retrieved 2007-02-05.
  20. ^ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>"Manny's moments: [[August 24]], [[2005]]". The Boston Globe. Retrieved 2006-08-10. URL–wikilink conflict (help)
  21. ^ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>"Manny says team has no reason to panic". FOX Sports. Retrieved 2007-10-18.
  22. ^ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>"Electric Beckett dominates Indians". MLB.com. Retrieved 2007-10-24.
  23. ^ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>"Rookies give Sox energy at the top". MLB.com. Retrieved 2007-10-28.
  24. ^ ESPN - Manny had scheduled personal appearance - MLB
  25. ^ Manny Ramirez : USAToday.com - Manny Ramirez Biography from USAToday.com
  26. ^ The Sporting Scene: Waiting for Manny: Reporting & Essays: The New Yorker
  27. ^ Boston.com / Sports / Baseball / Red Sox / Ramblin' Manny
  28. ^ Boston.com / Sports / Baseball / Red Sox / Ramblin' Manny
  29. ^ Boston.com / Sports / Baseball / Red Sox / Ramblin' Manny
  30. ^ Boston.com / Sports / Baseball / Red Sox / Ramblin' Manny
  31. ^ The Sporting Scene: Waiting for Manny: Reporting & Essays: The New Yorker
  32. ^ The Sporting Scene: Waiting for Manny: Reporting & Essays: The New Yorker
  33. ^ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>"MVP Baseball 2005". Retrieved 2007-07-28. Text "publisherEA Sports website" ignored (help)

See also

External links

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