Boston Red Sox batting champions All-Star team montage
By Rick McNair
Designated Hitter
Manny being Manny is now part of not only the local but national lexicon. Manny Ramirez teamed with David Ortiz to form one of the most potent duos in baseball. Considering the Red Sox attempted to dump his ponderous contract to anyone willing to accept it is a reflection of how the new ownership viewed Manny and his paycheck. Thankfully he stayed.
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The hard numbers are exceptional in Manny’s eight Boston seasons – .312 average, 274 home runs, 868 RBI, and a batting title in 2002 with a .349 average. Petulant, disruptive, entertaining, emotional Manny became a fan favorite who finally needed a divorce from the team.
My favorite Manny Moment occurred the day he received his citizenship as Manny ran out to left field waving a small American Flag. Of course, they are many tales regarding Manny that are somewhere between the truth and fiction, but his stay was certainly the stuff that will be passed down.
If I had to find a place for Rameriz it would be DH since I doubt even Teddy Ballgame could match Manny’s fielding liabilities.