For the first time in ten years, famed slugger, Manny Ramirez will step in the batters box at Fenway Park, as a visitor. Manny has not opposed the Red Sox since 2000 when he was a member of the Indians. In between now and then, Man-Ram enjoyed seven and a half seasons in Boston, where he averaged 36 homeruns and 126 RBI, earning a trip to the all-star game each year. The fruits of his labor paid off in 2004 when he led the Red Sox to their first World Series in 86 years. In four games against the Cardinals, Manny batted .412, with a homerun, and 4 rbi. For his efforts he was rewarded world series most valuable player.
In 2007, Ramirez carried the Sox into the World Series where they won a second championship in three years. He hit one of his most memorable homeruns in a Boston uniform off superstar closer, Francisco (K-rod) Rodriguez to clinch the ALDS against the Angels.
After making upwards of $20 million each year, Manny’s salary began to decrease and he was looking for a new contract, a contract that the Red Sox management was not interested in doling out to the 35 year-old slugger. After reports that Manny had “mailed it in” and caused an infamous confrontation with a Red Sox traveling secretary, the team had had enough of Manny’s antics and traded him to Los Angeles in a 3-team deal that involved the Pirates and most notably, left fielder Jason Bay.
Although baseball analysts will argue that Bay was not only an adequate replacement statistically, but also came at a much cheaper rate, and no excess baggage. As for the Sox fans who felt betrayed by Manny’s childish actions in his final months here, they were able to embrace Bay for what he was, a good outfielder and a good hitter, with the personality of a dead moth.
For the real Sox fans out there, who fell in love in the spring of 2001 when Manny made his first appearance in a Red Sox uniform I hope you can overlook a speed bump in the career of one of the best right handed hitters to ever play in Fenway. The truth is, the Red Sox are struggling to find another left fielder, despite Bay’s production, he never seemed to gel with the team nor did he have the extraverted personality that thrives in a media hotbed like Boston.
Regardless of what the pink hat populous believes in regards to Manny, you know the truth. You know that he was one of the hardest working players to put on a uniform. You know his style of play, his personality, and his smile, yes his smile, will be missed dearly when he decides to call it quits. I hope you will stand with me and cheer one of the greatest Red Sox of all time tonight.
P.S. Rookie Felix Doubront takes the mound tonight for the Red Sox. All signs point toward Manny putting a souvenir in the monster
