Jose Ramirez etches his name in Guardians history
In a crucial moment of the American League wild-card race, Jose Ramirez added another chapter to his storied career with a pivotal performance that helped the Cleveland Guardians secure a narrow 2-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays.
A Milestone Moment
Ramirez’s contributions came in the form of a 1-for-4 outing, highlighted by an RBI triple in the sixth inning. This crucial hit marked the 938th RBI of his career, all amassed during his tenure with the Guardians. With this achievement, he surpassed the legendary Jim Thome, clinching sole possession of second place on Cleveland’s all-time RBI list. Now, Ramirez sets his sights on Hall of Famer Earl Averill, who holds the franchise record with 1,084 RBIs—146 ahead of the dynamic third baseman.
Praise from the Skipper
Following the game, Guardians manager Stephen Vogt was effusive in his praise for Ramirez. “Hosey is going to keep doing this, right? He’s going to keep doing this as long as he’s in Cleveland. He’s one of the best players on the planet. It’s just so much fun and a treat that we all get to watch him,” Vogt remarked, emphasizing the joy Ramirez brings to the team and its fans.
Consistent Excellence
Despite a slow start to the season, Ramirez has once again demonstrated his remarkable ability to perform at a high level, as he has year after year. Since 2016, he has consistently posted a Wins Above Replacement (WAR) of 3 or more each season, excluding the shortened 2020 campaign. Currently, Ramirez boasts an impressive 5 WAR, alongside 27 home runs, 74 RBIs, and 37 stolen bases, while maintaining a batting average of .283.
A Proven Leader
Ramirez’s sustained excellence is reflected in his career achievements, having finished in the top 10 of MVP voting seven times over 13 seasons, including four top-five finishes. Notably, he was the runner-up for the MVP award in 2020. Though the Guardians find themselves outside the playoff picture at the moment, the presence of a player of Ramirez’s caliber could very well be the spark that ignites their postseason aspirations.
As Jose Ramirez continues to make history, his contributions to the Guardians not only enrich the franchise’s legacy but also inspire hope for a brighter future in Cleveland.
