They Broke the Mold with Jose Ramirez

Jose Ramirez has been one the most criminally underrated players in Major League Baseball the past few years. One could argue he’s the definition of underrated in terms of star players. This could be the season things change.

In what is now his tenth year in the league, Ramirez is off to a scorching start. The 29-year-old leads the Majors in RBI with 43. His last seven hits have been extra-base knocks which ties an MLB season-high for consecutive extra-base hits along with Gary Sanchez and Bryce Harper.

Cleveland often goes under the radar when it comes to sports. The underdog mentality is one that teams, and fans alike embrace. The Guardians’ third baseman is the epitome of everything Cleveland.

Ramirez himself poked fun at the national media for not including him in the same category of possible MVP finalists.

 

https://t.co/UjSuHxWxOp pic.twitter.com/LJ9Wkk2hk1

— Jose Ramirez (@MrLapara) April 4, 2022

Team Loyalty

Earlier this season, Ramirez signed a 7-year contract extension with the Guardians. In doing so, he made it clear that the intention was to stay loyal to his team. Cleveland baseball has a gift with Ramirez. Fans are able to watch one of the greatest to ever play the game. The day he signed his extension, Ramirez logged his 1000^th hit.

 

Ramirez could have left Cleveland for more money. He expressed his desire to retire with Cleveland and ultimately win a World Series with the team. It came down to what was important to him, as a player and as a person.

“When I was a kid looking for an opportunity, this is the organization that gave it to me,” Ramirez said. “It was also the team I reached the big leagues with, that gave me my first contract. My dream was to stay here, in this organization. And also, my daughter was born in Cleveland, too. I feel a part of that community.”

He made it clear in a tweet that Cleveland was his home.

 

This is my home!! https://t.co/6bKo3yW6tX pic.twitter.com/sYZvLI4sNg

— Jose Ramirez (@MrLapara) April 14, 2022

What sets Ramirez apart

There are many things that deem Ramirez elite. He makes outstanding plays at the hot corner. Swiping bags is also in his repertoire with 158 in his career.

However, his pure ability at the plate is unparalleled. The patience he shows, in the box, is on display every game. An amazing example of this was against the Houston Astros on May 24. Ramirez won an epic 13-pitch battle against Framber Valdez. The battle ended in a home run.

It’s not often that Ramirez doesn’t find his way on base. He’s known to sit at the end of the team’s bench and analyze the pitcher. Ramirez not only uses what he sees to give himself an advantage, he shares with his teammates. Hitting is a craft that he’s perfected.

Ramirez is a three-time All-Star. He’s also finished in the top-three American League voting for MVP three times. The third baseman is having what is looking to be the best season of his career. Baseball talking heads may have no choice but to notice him this year.