Love him or hate him, Manny Ramirez was one of the most consequential players in Red Sox history.
A twelve-time All-Star, nine-time Silver Slugger, two-time American League Hank Aaron award-winner, 2002 AL batting champion, 2004 AL home run leader, 1999 AL RBI leader, and two-time World Series champion, Manny Ramirez is one of the greatest hitters in the history of Major League Baseball, and one of the greatest Red Sox players of all-time.
Here are his top seven moments as a member of Red Sox Nation:
Number Seven: Back-to-Back-to-Back Home Runs in Game 4 Of The 2007 ALCS
I used this same clip in my top seven David Ortiz moments, but it’s so great I had to use it again. From 2003-2008, Red Sox fans were lucky enough to witness one of the greatest hitting duos of all-time: David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez. With Ortiz batting third, and Manny Ramirez at clean-up, the two offensive powerhouses led the Red Sox to two World Series, often hitting back-to-back home runs in the process.
And in Game 4 of the 2007 American League Championship Series, the duo became a trio, when Kevin Youkilis, Ortiz, and Ramirez hit back-to-back-to-back home runs. While those would be the only runs scored by the Red Sox in their 7-3 loss to the Cleveland Indians, it may have been a momentum shifter. The Red Sox went on to dominate the Indians in Games 5, 6, and 7, and advance to the World Series which, of course, they would eventually win.
Number Six: “Manny Being Manny”
While he was a fierce competitor and force at the plate, Manny Ramirez was famous for his on the field shenanigans and his lackadaisical nature. When the Red Sox were winning, fans loved it, and when they weren’t, it provided some of the most frustrating moments in the lives of Red Sox fans.
Whether it was walking inside the monster, cutting off throws in the outfield, or thinking that there were three outs and throwing the ball into the stands, Manny provided Red Sox fans with many laughs during his time in Boston.
Number Five: Three Run Home Run in Game 5 of ALDS
In Game 5 of the 2003 American League Division Series, Ramirez hit a three-run home run off Cy Young award-winner Barry Zito to give the Red Sox a 4-1 lead in the sixth inning over the Oakland Athletics.
Manny’s home run would be all the Red Sox needed, as they went on to win the game, with Pedro Martinez on the mound, 4-3, earning a trip to the American League Championship series where they would face the New York Yankees.
Number Four: Manny & Pedro vs Clemens & Zimmer
The above conflict has become one of the most notorious brawls in the history of the Red Sox-Yankee rivalry. During the third game of the American League Conference Championship, Pedro Martinez hit Karim Garcia in the helmet, earning both teams a warning from the home plate umpire. Then, in the next inning, Roger Clemens threw at the head of Manny Ramirez, missing, but angering Manny who began to charge the mound sparking both benches to clear. Then, perhaps, the most famous moment came when Yankees Coach Don Zimmer charged at Pedro, who then proceeded to throw the 72-year old coach to the ground.
Manny may have the reputation of “Being Manny,” but he was one of the league’s most fiery competitors during his time with the Red Sox. And that is shown no clearer than in this clip.
Number Three: Many Makes Great Catch, High Fives Fan, And Turns Double Play
While Manny may have had a phenomenal reputation as a hitter, it is not often mentioned that he was also capable of making some pretty remarkable plays in the field. Continuing the legacy of men like Ted Williams, Carl Yastrzemski and Jim Rice in left field, Manny Ramirez made a play that even he was surprised by.
On May 14, 2008, with Jon Lester on the mound, Manny’s former teammate Kevin Millar hit a fly ball to left field, and Manny made an outstanding leaping catch to get the out. His momentum then carried him up the outfield wall, where he then proceeded to high five a fan. Then, on his way down, he turned and fired the ball back into the infield, where the Red Sox then turned an inning-ending double play. It was the classic example of the kind of “Manny Being Manny” play that Red Sox fans approved of.
Number Two: 500th Home Run
On May 31, 2008, Manny Ramirez hit his 500th career home run off former teammate and Orioles pitcher Chad Bradford in the top of the 7th inning. He became the 24th player in league history to do so. Manny would go on to finish the 2008 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers and with 37 home runs.
He retired in 2011 with 555 career home runs. During his time in the league, he had five 40+ home run seasons, and led the league in home runs in 2004, with 43. He finished his career with 1831 RBIs, 2574 hits, and a career batting average of .312.
Number One: Walk-Off Home Run In Game 2 of the 2007 ALDS
How could it be any other moment? In the 2007 American League Division Series, the Red Sox squared off against the Los Angeles Angels. In Game 2, the score was 3-3 going into the bottom of the ninth inning, when Manny Ramirez hit a three-run, walk-off home run to win the game. The Red Sox would go on to the win the series, and then the ALCS against the Cleveland Indians, and then their second World Series in four years.
Next: Fast and Furious Red Sox Style
The image of Manny standing-still and holding his hands in the air has become an iconic image in Boston Sports history.