12/10/2023 0 Comments Jose ramirez boxer coach![]() ![]() “I still laugh at that,” third-base coach Mike Sarbaugh said. One morning near the end of spring training in 2015, as Ramírez headed out to the team’s primary practice field, he noticed his shortstop position was occupied … by his white BMW SUV. “OK, you’re better than me,” he said as he gently laid down his racket and the ball beside the net. After he hit a few volleys, a reporter spiked the ball back at him. He challenged reporters to ping-pong in the center of the clubhouse one afternoon this summer. “He’s just a little guy, but he’s probably better than you at everything.” “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” catcher Austin Hedges said. He always plays as Cleveland and always sets the game to its most demanding settings. He’s been known to invite minor leaguers over to his residence during spring training, solely to obliterate them in MLB The Show. He exhibits no mercy when playing cards or dominoes. He’s fiercely competitive and unforgiving with any game. Of course, only five other players on the roster this season are earning an annual salary of at least $2 million. When no one took him up on his offer, he raised the stakes to $1 million and then $2 million. He suggested a couple of teammates play him for $100. This summer, Ramírez challenged anyone in the clubhouse to a Mario Kart duel. When Bieber took exception to the hierarchy, Ramírez replied: “OK, maybe third.” Ramírez defeated Clippard that day, then placed his finger to his lips as he looked around the clubhouse to shush all of his doubters, even though the room was empty. ![]() In August 2019, he unveiled his Mario Kart power rankings, listing himself first, followed by Tyler Clippard, Adam Cimber, Bieber and Brad Hand. “He’s always like, ‘I want to beat your ass.’” “Nothing scares him,” said Ramon Peña, who signed Ramírez in 2009 as the organization’s director of international scouting. Ramírez’s hustle helped that team in its quest to secure a wild-card berth, so much so that Francona dubbed him “Little Shit” for the way he pestered the opposition on the basepaths.Īs several teammates and coaches described, Ramírez has always acted as though he’s the most imposing guy on the field, even though he’s often the smallest. He later trotted home on Mike Aviles’ grand slam. He replaced Carlos Santana at first base after Santana drew a leadoff walk. 1 in the ninth inning with the score tied. Naturally, he entered his first game on Sept. He had to borrow white cleats from the Tigers’ clubhouse staff, and those shoes were two sizes too big. So, the kid whose primary task was running arrived at Comerica Park for his major-league debut… without his shoes. They planned for him to provide a jolt of energy off the bench, as a fearless 20-year-old who could pinch run when the club needed late-game speed. (Duane Burleson / Associated Press)Ĭleveland summoned Ramírez from Double A in September 2013, manager Terry Francona’s first season with the franchise. ![]() Ramírez, left, with Mike Aviles, debuted on Sept. Here is a collection of stories that shine a light on the traits that make Ramírez such a fascinating superstar. Who is this guy who asks teammate Will Benson every day what time the game starts, who changes his phone number at least once a month, who chews an M&M cookie as he randomly offers a reporter his forthcoming playoff share? It could result in him ultimately becoming one of the most decorated players in the history of a franchise that started in 1901. Ramírez’s insistence on signing a long-term contract extension to remain in Cleveland provided the foundation for the club’s march to an AL Central title. He’s far from the youngest player on the Guardians’ roster, but, at 30 years old, he supplies as much spirit as a newly promoted rookie. He’s not the most nimble athlete, but he’s sure-handed at the hot corner. He’s not the fastest guy, but he’s an elite base runner. He’s not the biggest guy, but he piles up home runs like a hulking slugger. He’s not the loudest guy, but he ranks atop the roster in trash talk and laughs produced. There’s a mystique about José Ramírez, perhaps the sport’s most unheralded headliner. When his pregame energy is palpable, everyone simply marvels at the comedy routine that follows. Everyone in the room understands the deal. ![]() These energy bursts appear with regularity. “Too long,” he shouts, before retreating to his locker, smacking the back of a bystander’s head along the way. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |