What We All Can Learn From Manny Ramirez
Manny the Person
Manny Ramirez is widely known for his antics on the field. Some receive praise, but most receive negative feedback. Often criticized for his laissez-faire attitude and 'showing up the opposing pitcher', all of which widely publicized, Manny is always smiling at the plate or in left field. He talks to the media a heck of a lot more than he should (although half of what he says makes absolutely no sense), ultimately resulting in Manny shrugging off the backlash of his comments while reporters wonder what is going on in his head. But the Boston Red Sox know one thing: they'll get more good than bad with Manny Ramirez.
Manny the Player
Like him or not, you cannot deny his talent and ability to play the game. The guy is an absolute machine. A nine-time Silver Slugger Award winner and 12 time All-Star, Manny Ramirez is the guy I want at the plate when the game is on the line. Over the course of his 16-year career, Manny sports a .313 batting average and a .592 slugging percentage, with season averages of 184 hits, 111 runs, 39 doubles, 41 home runs, and 139 runs batted in. And if you don't watch baseball, all I have to tell you is that these stats are simply unimaginable over a 16-year stretch. Not many players have stats this impressive and that consistently over a long period of time. In fact, Manny is only one of five players this decade to hit at least 30 home runs and record at least 100 RBI six times this decade. He is, arguably, the best right-handed hitter of all-time.
Manny Being Manny
"Why should we panic? We've got a great team...If it doesn't happen, so who cares? There's always next year. It's not like it's the end of the world."
I'm not going to lie to you; when I heard the above quote, I almost shit. Ironically, he played better than anyone in that series, and ultimately led the Red Sox to the World Series title. When push comes to shove, it's hard not to like this guy. You may call him a showboat, I call him a showman. His antics are never planned (a la Chad Johnson), but will always be more entertaining because it's, well, Manny being Manny in that specific moment. He plays hard everyday and has more fun than anyone. His smile goes from ear to ear regardless of what happens, and while that may anger some players, coaches, and fans, I find it quite refreshing. He plays the game purely for the love of it, never taking life too seriously. If he goes 0-4 today, he'll knows he'll get another crack at it tomorrow. That's what makes him genuine, and that's what makes him Manny.
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Anonymous,
Thanks for reading and commenting.
The incident you speak of occurred almost two months after this article was posted. In any way, shape, or form can I defend Manny for his most recent incident in which he shoved a team representative to the ground.
Thanks again for reading.
jmj
Are you serious? Enough is enough. Its people like you who let Manny get away with the shit he does. The good is better then the bad are you serious? The guy has anger problems. Sure no one is gonna question his play on the field hes one of the best right handed hitters I ever seen,but cmon your gonna compare baseball stats to pushing a 64 year old guy to the ground. What if he died or was rushed to the hospital? You and the Boston Red Sox have always let their players do what they want and get away with it. Im dieing to see what kind of suspension he's probably gonna get like 2 days. GOODJOB.Hes gonna stab someone in the face and your gonna say "Thats Manny being Manny"