Dan Haren
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim – No. 24
Starting pitcher
Born: (1980-09-17) September 17, 1980 (age 31) Monterey Park, California
Bats: Right	Throws: Right
MLB debut
June 30, 2003 for the St. Louis Cardinals
Career statistics (through May 24, 2012)
Win–Loss record	109-87
Earned run average	3.45
Strikeouts	1,502
Shutouts	6
Complete game	16
Teams
St. Louis Cardinals (2003–2004) Oakland Athletics (2005–2007) Arizona Diamondbacks (2008–2010) Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (2010–present)
Career highlights and awards
3× All-Star selection (2007, 2008, 2009) 2× NL Pitcher of the Month

Daniel John Haren (born September 17, 1980, in Monterey Park, California) is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.^[1]

High-school and college career[link]

Haren, who is of Irish and Mexican descent, graduated from Bishop Amat High School in La Puente, CA in 1998. He attended Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA on a baseball scholarship. It was there that Haren teamed up with Noah Lowry, a left-handed pitcher just one month younger than Haren, to form the best starting pitching duo in the West Coast Conference. In the 2001 season, Haren posted a 2.22 ERA in 17 starts, and Lowry posted a 1.71 ERA in 18 starts. The teammates (and roommates) skipped their senior seasons, and Lowry was taken in the 1st round (30th overall) by the San Francisco Giants and Haren was taken in the 2nd round (72nd overall) by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2001 Major League Baseball Draft.^[2]

Professional career[link]

St. Louis Cardinals[link]

Haren made 28 starts in A-ball in 2002 for Peoria and Potomac, finishing with a combined ERA of 2.74. He started 2003 in Double-A Tennessee, but was promoted after eight starts to Triple-A Memphis.

Haren made his major league debut at the age of 22. He pitched well in his debut but was out-dueled by Jason Schmidt, who went on to finish second in the National League Cy Young Award voting that year. In his MLB debut, he showed off his batting skills by hitting the very first pitch he saw for a double. After finishing 2003 with a 5.08 ERA for the Cardinals, however, he was sent back down to AAA Memphis for the 2004 season. He received a late-season call-up, and made five appearances in the post-season for the Cardinals, including two in the World Series. The Cardinals were swept by the Boston Red Sox, but Haren pitched well, tossing 4 2/3 scoreless innings.

Pitching in a game against the Seattle Mariners

Oakland Athletics[link]

After the 2004 season, Haren was traded in a package that included right-handed reliever Kiko Calero and top hitting prospect Daric Barton to the Oakland Athletics for Mark Mulder, one of the best pitchers in the American League at the time. Mulder was surprisingly not missed, as Haren went 14-12 with a 3.73 ERA in his first full season as a major leaguer.^[3]

With Haren joining the A's, he got the opportunity to pitch against the rival San Francisco Giants in the Bay Bridge Series. Coincidentally, he has gone head-to-head multiple times against best friend and former teammate Noah Lowry, who also quickly made it to the majors. Haren has been the victor in both of the Haren/Lowry duels.

In 2005, Haren broke the top 10 in the American League in the following categories: innings (217-9th place), strikeouts (163-6th place), and complete games (3-4th place).

Furthermore, in 2007, Haren had one of the best seasons among any pitcher in the majors. Haren finished in the top ten in the American League in wins, with 15, strikeouts, with 192, and finished in the top three in the AL in ERA with 3.07.

In 2007, he was also selected to start the MLB All Star Game after Mark Buerhle declined for the American League.

On December 14, 2007, Haren was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks along with Connor Robertson for prospects including Carlos González, Brett Anderson, Aaron Cunningham, Greg Smith, Dana Eveland, and Chris Carter.

Arizona Diamondbacks[link]

Haren pitching during the 2009 All-Star Game in St. Louis.

In his first season with the Arizona Diamondbacks he was selected to the 2008 All-Star game at Yankee Stadium along with his teammate, Brandon Webb. He finished 2008 with an impressive 3.33 ERA to go along with a 16-8 win-loss record, and a career-high 206 strikeouts.

On August 6, 2008, Haren agreed to a four-year, $44.75 million contract and a team option for the 2013.^[1]

Haren was also selected a 2009 NL All-Star, representing the Diamondbacks along with Justin Upton. Haren had a great year, finishing with a record of 14-10, 3.14 ERA, and 223 strikeouts.

In 2009 he was named # 33 on the Sporting News' list of the 50 greatest current players in baseball. A panel of 100 baseball people, many of them members of the Baseball Hall of Fame and winners of major baseball awards, was polled to arrive at the list.^[4]

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim[link]

On July 25, 2010, Haren was traded to the Angels for starting pitcher Joe Saunders, and minor league pitchers Rafael Rodríguez, Patrick Corbin, and Tyler Skaggs.^[5][6]

In 13 games with the Angels to close out the 2010 season, Haren went 5-4 with 75 strikeouts and a 2.87 ERA.

Haren also had an impressive year at the plate, posting a .364 batting average and .902 OPS with one home run in 55 at bats with the D-backs before he was traded.

On September 10, 2011, Haren threw a complete-game shutout against the New York Yankees, allowing four hits and striking out seven.

On May 24, 2012, Haren threw a career high 14 strikeouts in a complete-game shutout against the Seattle Mariners in Seattle, allowing four hits in a 3-0 victory.

Pitching style[link]

Haren throws a 88–91 mph fastball, a 87–91 mph two-seam fastball, a sharp split-finger fastball (84–86), and a spike curve (75–79).^[7] Haren has also added and relied heavily upon a 84–87 mph cutter, which he added in 2008 and has credited with rejuvenating his career.^[8] The cutter makes up more than half of his pitch selection to right-handed hitters, with the two-seamer and occasional splitter filling up most of the rest. Against lefties, Haren mixes all of his pitches but uses his two-seamer the most. His curveball is a change-of-pace pitch, and not a main weapon; he does not throw it to right-handers at all or in 2-strike counts. By contrast, he throws about half of his splitters with two strikes.^[7]

Haren is also known for exceptional control. His career strikeout-to-walk ratio is above 4 for his career. As of May 2012^[update], he is the active leader in that category.^[9]

Haren usually has a slow pitching delivery, highlighted by a slight pause in the middle of his windup, that he speeds up with runners on base. His pitching style is often dubbed a "chess match" by reporters and announcers (particularly Daron Sutton and Mark Grace of the Diamondbacks announce team) due to his ability to change speeds and throw almost any pitch in any count (and often throws pitches in succession, i.e., four straight breaking balls), often going against scouting reports, making it particularly hard to hit him.^[8]

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Dan Haren

	Biography portal
	Baseball portal

• Career statistics and player information from MLB, or ESPN, or Baseball-Reference, or Fangraphs, or The Baseball Cube, or Baseball-Reference (Minors)
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Brett Lawrie
Toronto Blue Jays – No. 13
Third baseman
Born: (1990-01-18) January 18, 1990 (age 22) Langley, British Columbia
Bats: Right	Throws: Right
MLB debut
August 5, 2011 for the Toronto Blue Jays
Career statistics (through May 31, 2012)
Batting average	.287
Hits	96
Home runs	13
Runs batted in	46
Stolen bases	14
Teams
Toronto Blue Jays (2011–present)

Medal record
Men’s Baseball
Competitor for  Canada
Baseball World Cup
Bronze	2009 Nettuno	National team

Brett R. Lawrie (born January 18, 1990 in Langley, British Columbia^[1]) is a Canadian professional baseball third baseman with the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball. He was traded to the Blue Jays from the Milwaukee Brewers on December 5, 2010 in a deal for starting pitcher Shaun Marcum.^[2] He is the brother of University of Washington softball pitcher Danielle Lawrie.

Minor League career[link]

While playing high school baseball for the Langley Blaze of the B.C. Premier Baseball League, Lawrie was selected with the 16th overall pick in the 2008 Major League Baseball Draft by the Brewers.^[3][4] The selection of Lawrie was the fourth highest a Canadian player has ever been drafted, behind only Jeff Francis, Adam Loewen, and Phillippe Aumont and the highest a Canadian position player has ever been drafted (Loewen was drafted as a pitcher, but now is a position player in the New York Mets organization).

Lawrie was a member of the Canadian Junior National Team at the 2008 World Junior Baseball Championship where he led the tournament with a .469 batting average, 3 home runs and 16 RBIs.^[5] He was also selected to play for Canada at the 2008 Summer Olympics.

Lawrie batting for the Las Vegas 51s, Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, in 2011.

Lawrie represented Canada once again during the 2009 World Baseball Classic at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario.^[6] His only appearance during Canada's brief run in the tournament came during a 6–5 loss to the United States where he pinch ran for Joey Votto in the 9th inning.

Although he was used primarily as a catcher for the Blaze, Lawrie transitioned to second base when he was assigned to the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers of the Midwest League to begin the 2009 season. He was selected to play for the World Team at the 2009 MLB All-Star Futures Game at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.^[7][8] He was promoted to the Double-A Huntsville Stars in mid-August. On June 23 Lawrie was selected to the 2010 Futures Games, his second selection.

Lawrie finished the 2010 season with a .285 batting average, 8 homeruns, 63 RBIs, 90 runs, 16 triples and 30 stolen bases in 135 games with Huntsville. For his efforts he was named to the Southern League Post-Season All-Star team on September 1, 2010. Considered by many to be one of Milwaukee's top prospects, he was traded on December 6, 2010 to the Toronto Blue Jays for starting pitcher Shaun Marcum. Despite already having switched positions from catcher to second base after the Brewers drafted him, the Blue Jays moved Lawrie to third base.^[9]

On May 31, Lawrie was hit in the hand by a pitch and left the game with what was initially believed to be a broken hand. X-rays were negative and he was considered day-to-day, until it was later revealed by CAT scan that there is a non-displaced fracture, and he was expected to miss 2–3 weeks.^[10][11]

After a brief stint in Single-A Dunedin ending with a game where he was hit by a pitch twice, Lawrie was promoted back to Triple-A Las Vegas on July 18, 2011.^[12]

Lawrie on the field prior to a game in 2011.

He was named the third baseman on Baseball America's 2011 Minor League All Star team.^[13]

Major League Career[link]

2011[link]

On August 4, 2011, Lawrie was called up to the Blue Jays. Travis Snider was optioned to Triple-A to make room for Lawrie.^[14] He made his debut on August 5 against the Baltimore Orioles.^[15] In his first career at-bat, he recorded his first career hit and RBI. He finished 2–4 with 1 RBI and a fielding error.^[16] Two games later, he hit his first career home run, a solo shot off of starter Alfredo Simón. In his second game at home on August 10, Lawrie recorded his first career grand slam off of Oakland reliever Craig Breslow. The grand slam was also his first hit at the Rogers Centre.^[17] In the following series against the Los Angeles Angels, Lawrie recorded his first career triple and stolen base. On September 5, Lawrie hit his first career walkoff home run, a solo shot in the 11th inning off reliever Dan Wheeler to defeat the Boston Red Sox 1–0.^[18]

Lawrie's first season ended prematurely when, on September 21, he fractured the middle finger on his right hand while fielding during batting practice. He finished his first season with a batting average of .293, 9 home runs, 26 runs scored, 7 stolen bases and 25 RBI in 161 plate appearances.^[19]

2012[link]

Brett Lawrie made the 40-man roster during the Toronto Blue Jays 2012 season. ^[20]

On May 1, 2012, Lawrie hit a game-winning, walk-off solo home run in the bottom of the 9th inning to give the Blue Jays an 8-7 win against the Texas Rangers.^[21] In a game against the Tampa Bay Rays on May 15, Lawrie was ejected from a game after objecting to being called out on two consecutive strikes by umpire Bill Miller. The two pitches in question, thought to be balls by Lawrie, were shown to be outside the strike zone on instant replay. Lawrie started down the baseline, only to hear the strikeout call, and turned and yelled. Miller then ejected him, and Lawrie threw his helmet on the ground. The helmet bounced and made contact with Miller. Manager John Farrell was also ejected after arguing with Miller.^[22] Lawrie was suspended for four games by Major League Baseball, and initially appealed the suspension but dropped the appeal on May 17.^[23]

References[link]

External links[link]

Baseball portal

• Career statistics and player information from Baseball-Reference, or The Baseball Cube, or Baseball-Reference (Minors)
• COC Profile
• MiLB.com player profile
• Brett Lawrie on Twitter

Manny Ramirez
Ramirez with the Red Sox on May 14, 2008
Oakland Athletics – No. 1
Outfielder
Born: (1972-05-30) May 30, 1972 (age 40) Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Bats: Right	Throws: Right
MLB debut
September 2, 1993 for the Cleveland Indians
Career statistics
Batting average	.312
Home runs	555
Hits	2,574
Runs batted in	1,831
Teams
Cleveland Indians (1993–2000) Boston Red Sox (2001–2008) Los Angeles Dodgers (2008–2010) Chicago White Sox (2010) Tampa Bay Rays (2011)
Career highlights and awards
12× All-Star (1995, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008) 2× World Series champion (2004, 2007) 9× Silver Slugger Award (1995, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006) World Series MVP (2004) 2× AL Hank Aaron Award (1999, 2004)

Manuel Arístides "Manny" Ramírez Onelcida (born May 30, 1972) is a Dominican-American professional baseball outfielder and designated hitter who is currently with the Oakland Athletics organization. He was recognized for great batting skill and power, a nine-time Silver Slugger and one of 25 players to hit 500 career home runs. Ramirez's 21 grand slams are third all-time, and his 28 post-season home runs are the most by any player in MLB history. He was a fixture in the All-Star Game with 12 appearances including eleven consecutive beginning 1998. He appeared in the All-Star game in every season that he played with the Boston Red Sox.

Ramirez was allegedly among a group of 104 major league players who tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs during 2003.^[1] In 2009 he was suspended 50 games for violating baseball's drug policy by taking human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a women's fertility drug.^[2] According to steroid dealer Victor Conte, hCG is often used to restart natural testosterone production after a steroid cycle.^[3]

In 2011 Ramirez was informed of another violation of the drug policy, and he retired from baseball on April 8, 2011, rather than continue with the process entailed by a positive test, which would have included a 100-game suspension.^[4][5] However, he asked for reinstatement from the MLB and was reinstated on December 10 with the stipulation that he serve a 50-game suspension if signed.

Career[link]

High school[link]

Ramirez was born in Santo Domingo, and grew up in the Washington Heights section of the New York City borough of Manhattan. Ramirez attended George Washington High School, leaving at the age of 19 years old without graduating.^[6] He was a 3-time All-City selection in baseball, and as a high school senior was named New York City Public School Player of the Year in 1991, after batting .650 with 14 home runs in 22 games.^[7] He was inducted into the New York City Public School Athletic Hall of Fame in 1999.

Minor leagues[link]

The Cleveland Indians selected Ramirez with the 13th pick of the 1991 draft and assigned to the Rookie-level Burlington Indians for his professional debut. He was named the Appalachian League MVP and was selected by Baseball America as short-season Player of the Year while slugging 19 homers and driving in 63 runs in 59 games, while leading the league in slugging and total bases.

With the Single-A Kinston Indians in 1992, Ramirez battled injuries but still hit .278 with 13 homers and 63 RBI in 81 games and was named as the No.3 Prospect and the "Most Exciting Player in the Carolina League" by Baseball America.

In 1993, Ramirez was named "Minor League Player of the Year" by Baseball America while combining to hit .333 with 31 homers and 115 RBI in 129 games with the Double-A Canton-Akron Indians and Triple-A Charlotte Knights.

Cleveland Indians (1993–2000)[link]

Ramirez made his major league debut on September 2, 1993 against the Minnesota Twins, going hitless in four at-bats as the designated hitter. The following day against the New York Yankees he went 3 for 4 with 2 home runs and a double. His first career homer was against Mélido Pérez.

In his first full season in the majors, Ramirez finished second in the Rookie of the Year voting after batting .269 with 17 homers and 60 RBI in 91 games. He was selected to his first All-Star Game in 1995 and won his first career Silver Slugger Award following the season. In December 1995, Ramirez agreed to a $10.15 million, four-year contract.^[8]

From 1993 to 2000, he had 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 a career-high 131 runs. On September 30, 1999 Ramirez set the Indians' single-season record for RBIs at 164, beating Hal Trosky's 1936 record of 162.^[9] He finished the season with 165 RBI in 1999 were the highest total by any player since Jimmie Foxx (1938). During his time in Cleveland, he played in two World Series: 1995 and 1997.

Boston Red Sox (2001–2008)[link]

2001–03[link]

Ramirez asking the first base umpire if he went around on a swing

In December 2000, Ramirez signed an eight-year, $160 million deal with the Boston Red Sox, with $20 million options for 2009 and 2010, pushing the total value of the contract to $200 million for 10 years.^[10] Ramirez immediately delivered for the Red Sox, hitting .408 in April. His final season stats were a .306 batting average with 41 home runs and 125 RBI. On June 23, Ramirez hit two monstrous home runs against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park, with the second one hitting the very top of the light tower in left field. The length of the home run was officially listed at 501 feet,^[11] just short of Ted Williams' record of 502 feet.^[12]

Manny only played in 120 games in 2002, due to a hamstring injury that put him on the DL for more than a month from mid-May to the end of June. Despite this, Ramirez won the American League batting title, hitting .349, and his .647 slugging percentage was second in the league behind Jim Thome's .677. Ramirez hit his 300th career home run on August 26 against the Angels' Ramon Ortiz. It was the first of two home runs of the night for Ramirez, as he went 5-for-5 overall.

In the summer of 2003, Ramirez missed several games with pharyngitis. When it became public that he was spotted in a bar (in the same hotel where Ramirez lives) with a close friend, Yankees infielder Enrique Wilson when Ramirez was supposedly too ill to play in the Yankees series, Boston manager Grady Little benched him for one game. Despite his strong play in the 2003 postseason, the Red Sox lost 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.

According to the New York Times, in 2003 Ramirez tested positive for performance enhancing drugs from the "survey" drug test, in which MLB players were tested to see if drugs were being used, but faced no penalties or sanction for testing positive.^[13]

2004[link]

Ramirez at the Red Sox victory parade

In 2004, Ramirez led the American League in home runs (43), slugging percentage (.613) and OPS (1.009); he finished second in errors committed as a left fielder (7), third in RBIs (130), fourth in doubles (44) and total bases (348), sixth in on base percentage (.397), eighth in walks (82), tenth in runs (108), and posted a .308 batting average.^[14] He also led the AL in salary, at $22.5 million.^[14] a

In addition, Ramirez 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. Together they hit back-to-back home runs six times, tying the major league single-season mark set by the Detroit Tigers' Hank Greenberg and Rudy York and later matched by the Chicago White Sox's Frank Thomas and Magglio Ordóñez.

In the 2004 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, Ramirez hit a two-run home run off Roger Clemens in the top of the first inning, giving his teammates a 3–0 lead. Ramirez, Derek Jeter (with a single), Ichiro Suzuki (with a double) and Iván Rodríguez (with a triple) 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.

2005–06[link]

On May 15, Ramirez hit his 400th home run off Gil Meche of the Seattle Mariners. Ramirez is one of only 45 MLB players in the 400 home run club. On July 5, Ramirez hit his 20th career grand slam — and his third of the season — off Chris Young of the Texas Rangers. On defense, however, he tied for the lead among all major league left fielders in errors, with 7.^[15]

Off the field, this season was one of much conflict for Ramirez. 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 by the eventual World Series champion Chicago White Sox, Ramirez 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, Ramirez put his Ritz-Carlton condominium up for sale.

Trade rumors circulated with Ramirez possibly going to the Baltimore Orioles or Mets, but no deal was reached. By January 5, 2006, Ramirez 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.^[16]

On June 10, Ramirez 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 Ramirez: beginning in mid-July, he had a 28-game hitting streak, including 12 multi-hit games, 8 HR, and 28 RBI, but then missed 28 games from mid-August on with soreness in his right knee.

2007–08[link]

Ramirez in June 2007

On April 22, 2007, Ramirez was the first of four Red Sox batters to homer in consecutive at bats in a game against the New York Yankees, tying a league record. All of the home runs were against Chase Wright.^[17] On April 29, Ramirez became the fifth player to hit 50 career home runs against the Yankees.

Ramirez had a well-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 Yankees series, but he did return to the lineup for the final homestand of the season. In 2007, he had the highest fielding percentage (.990) among left fielders in the American League,^[18] tied for second in the Major Leagues; he was ranked 6th-highest in range factor of all AL left fielders, 1.72,^[19] 16th in both leagues, but had the lowest zone rating of Major League left fielders with 100+ games (.713).^[20] He made two errors during the 2007 season in left field,^[21] and tied for 5th overall in the Majors in assists from left field.^[21]

Ramirez with the Red Sox, warming up before a game in 2007

In the post-season, Ramirez hit a walk-off 3-run home run in Game 2 of the American League Division Series against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. In the fourth inning of the series' final game, Ramirez combined with teammate David Ortiz to hit back-to-back home runs off pitcher Jered Weaver. The home run tied him with Bernie Williams for first place all-time in post-season home runs.^[22] On October 13, Ramirez hit his 23rd post-season home run, passing Bernie Williams for the most all-time.

He helped the Red Sox to reach and win the 2007 World Series, where they swept the Colorado Rockies. In the 2007 post-season, Ramirez batted .348 with 4 home runs and 16 RBIs.

On May 31, 2008, Ramirez hit his 500th home run, against Baltimore Orioles pitcher Chad Bradford at Camden Yards in the 7th inning on the first pitch, becoming the 24th player in MLB history to do so. He joined two other Red Sox players, Jimmie Foxx and Ted Williams, in the exclusive home run club.

A heated altercation between Ramirez and Kevin Youkilis took place on June 5, during a game at Fenway against the Tampa Bay Rays. It was prompted either, as the Boston Globe speculated, by Youkilis complaining about Ramirez having been slow in joining his teammates in a bench-clearing brawl two innings earlier (lagging behind even the team's pitchers, who ran in from the bullpen), or by Ramirez objecting to what he believed was excessive complaining by Youkilis about the strike zone, as well as the first baseman's penchant for sometimes throwing his helmet in frustration after making an out.^[23][24] Before the fifth inning, Ramirez was caught on NESN cameras taking a swing at Youkilis.^[25] Ramirez and Youkilis yelled at each other, and had to be separated by teammates, coaches, and training staff. Youkilis headed out to the field still barking at Ramirez, while Ramirez was escorted into the tunnel leading to the clubhouse by bench coach Brad Mills and trainer Paul Lessard.^[25][26]

Later in the season, during a series with the Houston Astros, Ramirez had a physical altercation with elderly Red Sox traveling secretary Jack McCormick. The two were arguing over the traveling secretary' inability to fill Ramirez's large game-day request for 16 tickets to the game in Houston. Ramirez pushed the 64-year-old McCormick to the ground,^[23][27] after telling him "Just do your job." The two were quickly separated, and Ramirez later apologized.^[28][29] The matter was dealt with internally, and Ramirez was fined.

On July 25, after sitting out one game against the Seattle Mariners with a sore knee, Ramirez was slated to start against the Yankees. Several minutes before the game, however, he informed manager Terry Francona, through a bench coach, that he would not be playing. During the series Ramirez was directed to an area hospital for MRIs on both his knees; the results showed no damage.^[30] When back in action, Ramirez frequently failed to run out ground balls. Assuming that this was due to his displeasure about his contract situation, many Red Sox fans and reporters, including Dan Shaughnessy of the Boston Globe, called for Ramirez to be traded.

Los Angeles Dodgers (2008–10)[link]

"Mannywood" banner in Downtown Los Angeles

On July 31, 2008, Manny was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a three-way deal. The Boston Red Sox acquired outfielder Jason Bay and minor league infielder Josh Wilson,^[31] and the Pittsburgh Pirates got infielder Andy LaRoche, and pitching prospect Bryan Morris from the Dodgers, and outfielder Brandon Moss and pitcher Craig Hansen from the Red Sox.^[32]

Ramirez had always worn uniform number 24, but the Dodgers retired that number in honor of Hall-of-Fame manager Walter Alston. Ramirez instead chose to wear number 99 with the Dodgers.

Ramirez was named the National League Player of the Month for August 2008. He hit .415 (44-for-106) with seven doubles, nine home runs, 25 RBI and 21 runs scored during the month. He finished the season with the Dodgers hitting a .396 batting average, 17 home runs, and 53 RBI.^[33]

Ramirez finished the season with 37 home runs and 121 runs batted in. Among all major leaguers, he finished 3rd in batting average, 2nd in slugging percentage, and 3rd in OPS. WIth Ramirez in the line-up, the Dodgers won the National League West, then swept the Chicago Cubs in a division series before losing the National League Championship Series to the eventual World Series winner Philadelphia Phillies in five games. During the playoffs, Manny hit .520 with 4 home runs, 2 doubles, 11 walks and 10 RBI.

Ramirez was fourth in the voting for the 2008 NL MVP award, with 138 points, behind Albert Pujols, Ryan Howard, and Ryan Braun.^[34]

After the Dodgers lost in the playoffs, Manny was asked about his future. "Gas is up, and so am I", was his reply, indicating that he expected to be valued highly in the free agent market. After long and contentious negotiations that dragged into the start of spring training, Ramirez signed a two-year $45 million contract with Los Angeles on March 4.^[35]

2009[link]

On May 7, 2009, Ramirez was suspended 50 games for violating the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program established by MLB and the MLB Players Association in 2004.^[3] In the announcement by Major League Baseball, Ramirez was suspended for unspecified violation of the agreement section 8.G.2. Shortly afterward, Ramirez stated that a physician had unknowingly prescribed a banned medication. After consulting with the players association, Ramirez waived his right to challenge the suspension.^[3] According to an ESPN report, the drug used by Ramirez was human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a women's fertility drug typically used by steroid users to restart their body's natural testosterone production as they come off a steroid cycle. It is similar to Clomid, the drug Jason Giambi and others used as clients of BALCO. Testing revealed artificial testosterone, too.^[36] As a condition for returning from the suspension, Ramirez was subject to three additional drug tests per year in addition to the minimum of two per player.^[13]

Ramirez during his tenure with the Dodgers

During his suspension, Ramirez was allowed to work out at the Dodgers' facilities and he trained with Dodger coach Manny Mota.^[37] To get back into shape he was allowed a short rehab stint in the minor leagues.^[38] Ramirez played two games with the AAA Albuquerque Isotopes, where his appearance led to record crowds for the Isotopes.^[39] He played several games with the Single-A Inland Empire 66ers, homering in his first at-bat with the 66ers.^[40] Ramirez returned from his suspension and reclaimed his starting role with the Dodgers on July 3 against the San Diego Padres.^[41]

On July 21, Ramirez hit his 537th career home run, passing Mickey Mantle for 15th place on the all-time home run list.^[42]

On July 30, The New York Times reported that Ramirez tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs during Major League Baseball's 2003 survey testing.^[1] Ramirez, a member of the Boston Red Sox at the time, was among 104 major league players to test positive.^[1][13]

2010[link]

On April 10, 2010, Ramirez recorded his 2,500th career base hit with an infield single against the Florida Marlins.^[43] On April 18 against the San Francisco Giants, Ramirez hit his 548th career home run to tie Mike Schmidt for the 14th place on the all-time home run list.^[44] He hit his 549th to pass Schmidt on May 28 against the Colorado Rockies.^[45] On June 19, he hit a home run in his second game back at Fenway Park.

In 2010, Ramirez had three separate stints on the disabled list.^[46] When he returned from the third trip on August 21, he apparently had lost his starting job to Scott Podsednik.^[47] As a pinch hitter, he was ejected on August 29 by home plate umpire Gary Cederstrom one pitch into his at-bat for arguing a strike call. That appearance was his final one in a Dodger uniform.^[48]

Chicago White Sox (2010)[link]

Ramirez was claimed on waivers by the Chicago White Sox. The Dodgers awarded Ramirez to the White Sox on August 30, receiving no prospects, but with the White Sox assuming the $3.8 million remaining on Ramirez's salary.^[49] He hit .261 with only one home run in his 24 games with the White Sox and then became a free agent at the conclusion of the season.

Tampa Bay Rays (2011)[link]

On January 21, 2011, Ramirez agreed to a one-year, $2 million deal with the Tampa Bay Rays, while the Rays also signed his former Boston Red Sox teammate Johnny Damon in a package deal suggested by agent Scott Boras.^[50][51][52]

The 38-year-old Ramirez cut short his tenure with Tampa Bay and in major league baseball on April 8, 2011, after just five games during which he batted .059 (1-for-17), when he abruptly retired.^[53] Ramirez reportedly tested positive for a banned performance-enhancing drug in his spring training drug test. His first sample, or A sample, was retested and again returned a positive result. Ramirez filed a notice to appeal, and a second sample, or B sample, was tested under observation by Ramirez' representatives. When the B sample also tested positive, he dropped the appeal and told the MLB that he would immediately retire.^[13]

Major League Baseball issued a statement that Ramirez had been informed of an issue under the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment program, and chose to retire rather than continue with the appeal process.^[5][54] Ramirez was facing a 100-game suspension, which would still apply if Ramirez ever decides to return to Major League Baseball at any point in the future.^[55] Neither Ramirez nor the player's association issued a statement about the sudden retirement. Ramirez apparently did not personally inform the Rays about his decision. The team announced that they had been informed of his retirement by the MLB commissioner's office.^[13]

Reinstatement[link]

In September 2011, reports surfaced that Ramirez was planning on playing in the Dominican Winter League for the Cibao Eagles. In a statement, the team said that Ramirez hoped to motivate other Major League stars to play in the country.^[56] However, the MLB Commissioners office issued a statement that since the Dominican League is affiliated with MLB, Ramirez would not be eligible to play without first serving his mandated suspension.^[57]

Upon hearing that his plans to play in the winter league would not work, Ramirez decided to formally request reinstatement with MLB and that he was willing to serve his 100 game suspension for the second violation of the drug policy. He stated that he was not prepared for retirement and that he will be available for any MLB team and if none show interest, then he will "play in Japan or some other place".^[58]

On December 4 it was announced that Ramirez had formally filed the papers with the league to be reinstated to baseball and that an agreement had been reached between MLB and the Players Association that he would only need to serve a 50 game suspension instead of the original 100 games.^[59]

Oakland Athletics[link]

On February 20, 2012, Ramirez signed a minor league contract with the Oakland Athletics. The deal calls for a $500,000 salary if he makes the MLB roster. However, he needs to serve the 50-game suspension before he can play for the team.^[60] He will be eligible to play again on May 30, 2012, when his 50 game suspension will be completed.

Personal life[link]

Originally from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, in 1985, Ramirez joined his parents who relocated from the Dominican Republic to Washington Heights, a predominantly Dominican neighborhood in New York City. He played outfield for George Washington High School from 1989–1991.^[61]

In 2004, Ramirez missed a Red Sox game to become an American citizen.^[62] He entered the next game running onto the field to a standing ovation while carrying a small American flag held in his hand. He planted the flag in the left outfield corner of the field, in the shadow of the Green Monster, where it remained for the entire game.

Ramirez has three sons: Manuelito "Manny" Ramirez (b. 1995) from a previous relationship; Manny Ramirez, Jr. (b. 2003), and Lucas Ramirez (b. February 2006) with his wife Juliana. The family lives in Weston, Florida.

Arrest[link]

On September 12, 2011 Ramirez was arrested at his home in Weston, on a charge of domestic battery, after an incident with his wife.^[63] On October 12, he entered a "not-guilty" plea to charges of domestic battery.^[64] The charges were dismissed on March 30, when his wife refused to cooperate with the investigation.^[65]

Personality[link]

Ramirez at Dodger Stadium on September 25, 2008, after the Dodgers clinched the NL West Division title

Many stories depicted Ramirez as a carefree individual, whose concentration was dedicated solely to playing baseball. One story 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, "they are chasing O.J.", to which Ramirez responded in disbelief, "What did Chad do?" (in reference to then-current teammate Chad Ogea).^[66]

Ramirez was also described as a prima donna^[67] and periodically displayed a lack of enthusiasm and/or concentration, with mental lapses in both the outfield and running the bases. These incidents are typically described as "Manny Moments" or "Manny Being Manny." The first known documented usage^[68] of the phrase "Manny Being Manny" is attributed to then-Indians manager Mike Hargrove, quoted in a 1995 Newsday article.^[69]

Off the field[link]

This section is in a list format that may be better presented using prose. You can help by converting this section to prose, if appropriate. Editing help is available. (September 2011)

• 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.^[70] It is unclear whether the appearance was scheduled before or after the family situation. Ramirez chose not to attend the auction.^[71] A remodeled car that Ramirez had put up for bidding at the auction did not generate a high enough bid to be sold.^[72]
• Ramirez missed the White House reception for the Red Sox 2007 World Series championship. President George W. Bush quipped: "I'm sorry [Ortiz'] running mate, Manny Ramirez, isn't here. I guess his grandmother died again. Just kidding. Tell Manny I didn't mean it."^[73]

Career highlights[link]

• Honors
  • 12x All-Star (1995, 1998–2008)^[74]
  • 9x Silver Slugger Award (1995, 1999–2006) ^[74]
  • 2x Hank Aaron Award (1999, 2004)^[74]
  • World Series MVP Award (2004)^[75]
  • Member of Major League Baseball's Latino Legends Team^[76]

• Led League

• League Top-Ten

• Career rankings on All-Time lists (as of April 8, 2011, when he retired)

• Post-season
  • 2x World Series Champion (Boston, 2004, 2007)
  • Tied with Pete Rose for longest LCS hitting streak (15)^[77]
• Other
  • 9 straight seasons of at least 30 HRs and 100 RBIs (1998–2006, tied for 3rd-longest in history)
  • 27-game hitting streak in 2006^[78]
  • Hit 500th home run on May 31, 2008, vs. Baltimore Orioles off of Chad Bradford.^[79]

Sponsorship and endorsement deals[link]

• He was featured on the cover of the Sega Genesis video game World Series Baseball '96
• He was featured on the cover of the EA Sports video game MVP Baseball 2005.^[80]

See also[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Manny Ramírez

Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to: Manny Ramirez

• List of Boston Red Sox awards
• List of highest paid baseball players
• List of AL Silver Slugger Winners at Designated Hitter
• List of AL Silver Slugger Winners at Outfield
• Major League Baseball Showdown
• List of top 300 Major League Baseball home run hitters
• List of major league players with 2,000 hits
• List of Major League Baseball players with 400 doubles
• List of Major League Baseball players with 1000 runs
• List of Major League Baseball players with 1000 RBI
• List of Major League Baseball Home Run Records
• List of Major League Baseball RBI Records
• List of Major League Baseball RBI champions
• List of Major League Baseball batting champions
• List of Major League Baseball home run champions
• 500 home run club

References[link]