Manny Ramirez

My hero is Manny Ramirez, the baseball player, whose real name is Manuel Aristides Ramirez Onelcida. Manny comes from the Dominican Republic and was born in Santo Domingo on May 30, 1972.

Manny is my hero because I used to play softball and so I got interested in watching baseball games, especially the Dodger games. Maybe, when I grow up I might become a baseball coach and teach my kids.

In 1993-2000 Manny played for the Cleveland Indians. On September 2, 1993 the Cleveland Indians played against the Minnesota Twins. But they did not win. The following day they played the New York Yankees. They won the game. Manny’s first career homer was against Melido Perez.

In 2001-2003 Manny Ramirez played for the Boston Red Sox. Manny signed an eight-year,$160 million deal with the Boston Red Sock, with $20 million options for 2009 and 2010, pushing a total of $200 million for 10 years. Manny hit .408 for the Red Socks in April. On June 23, Ramirez hit two home runs against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park. The length was 501 feet--Almost close to Ted William’s record of 502 feet.

In 2004 Manny Ramirez led the American League in home runs. Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz became one of the most dangerous pair of hitters on an American League team. On October 13, Ramirez hit his 23rd home, run passing Bernie Williams’ home run record. On July 31, 2008 Manny Ramirez was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers. It was a three-way deal. He was almost traded to the Florida Marlins. The Boston Red Sox required it. Manny Ramirez’ uniform was always number 24, but the number the Los Angeles Dodgers picked out for him was 99.