Manny Ramirez

Manny Ramirez

Manny Ramirez

Manuel Arístides Ramírez Onelcida (born May 30, 1972) is a former professional baseball outfielder who played 19 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). He is best known for his time with the Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers. Ramirez was a nine-time Silver Slugger Award winner and was known for his powerful hitting and unique personality.

Early Life

Ramirez was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He moved to New York City at the age of 13 and attended George Washington High School in Washington Heights, where he became a standout baseball player.

Professional Career

Cleveland Indians

Ramirez was selected by the Cleveland Indians with the 13th overall pick in the 1991 Major League Baseball draft. He made his MLB debut on September 2, 1993. During his time with the Indians, Ramirez helped lead the team to two World Series appearances in 1995 and 1997.

Boston Red Sox

In 2000, Ramirez signed an eight-year, $160 million contract with the Boston Red Sox. He played a crucial role in the Red Sox's 2004 World Series victory, their first in 86 years, and was named the World Series MVP. Ramirez was also instrumental in the Red Sox's 2007 World Series win.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Ramirez was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2008. He had an immediate impact, helping the Dodgers reach the National League Championship Series (NLCS). His performance during the latter part of the 2008 season earned him the nickname "Mannywood."

Later Career and Retirement

After his time with the Dodgers, Ramirez had brief stints with the Chicago White Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, and various international teams. He officially retired from professional baseball in 2011.

Playing Style

Ramirez was known for his exceptional hitting ability, particularly his power and clutch hitting. He finished his career with 555 home runs and a .312 batting average. Despite his offensive prowess, Ramirez was often criticized for his defensive skills and occasional lapses in focus, leading to the phrase "Manny being Manny."

Controversies

Ramirez's career was not without controversy. He was suspended twice for violating MLB's performance-enhancing drug policy, which tarnished his legacy to some extent.

Legacy

Despite the controversies, Ramirez is considered one of the greatest right-handed hitters in MLB history. His contributions to the Red Sox's World Series victories have cemented his place in baseball history.

See Also

• List of Major League Baseball career home run leaders
• List of Major League Baseball career runs batted in leaders
• List of Major League Baseball players from the Dominican Republic
• Boston Red Sox
• Cleveland Indians
• Los Angeles Dodgers