Manny Ramirez’s Induction Into the Guardians/Indians Hall Of Fame, Deserved!

3 Things About Manny Ramirez and His Legendary Career in Cleveland

1 – Baby Bull 

When Manny Ramirez first came up, there was so much buzz as he tore up the minor leagues and was named Minor League Player of the Year by Baseball America in 1993.

His first game was in September 1993 against his hometown New York Yankees; Ramirez went hitless.  In his second game, however, he went 3 for 4 with two home runs in front of family and friends.  He is most remembered for his first hit being a double, and Ramirez thought he hit a home run as the ball went into the stands, but it was only a ground rule double.  He trotted around the bases and then was sent back to second with the Indian’s dugout howling in laughter. 

In his first entire season in the majors in 1994, Manny finished second in the rookie of year ballots (which was ridiculous, he was CLEARLY the best rookie in baseball) and, in a strike-shortened season, finished with 17 home runs and 60 RBIs. 

2 – Manny Mania 

When baseball came back in 1995, the powerful and talented 1995 Indians took off, and Manny also rocketed with an all-star appearance with 31 home runs and 107 RBIs.  And Ramirez did all of this in 1995 while batting 7th!  One of the most memorable moments from Ramirez in 1995 was his walk-off home run-off of hall-of-fame pitcher Dennis Eckersley. 

By the time of 1998, Ramirez was one of the most popular players on the team and one of the best players in baseball.  From 1998-2000 Manny hit 127 home runs, and 432 RBIs (leading the AL in RBIs in 1999 with 165, yes 165) while guiding the AL in slugging in both 1999 and 2000, simply dominating as a hitter. 

3 – Leaving for Boston 

Manny’s exit was crushing as the Indians were in a bidding battle with the Red Sox in the winter of 2000, and it looked like the Indians were bringing Ramirez back, but all for not as he ended up choosing Boston.  It was a gut punch as a fan, and sadly what would become very familiar to Indians fans for years to come. All that to be said, he is loved and the way he left Cleveland is a distant memory.  

The 90’s Indians had a lot of unique and memorable players Kenny Lofton, Albert Belle, and Jim Thome just to name a few, but I really believe the player that brought the most smiles out of the group was Ramirez.  Manny was always smiling and just seemed to love the game and the city of Cleveland.  

We are happy they are honoring Ramirez, and he deserves it as he always made us smile with not only his bat but his love for the city of Cleveland.