Boston Red Sox legend Manny Ramirez wants to return to MLB, but not as a player.
It’s been 14 years since Ramirez last stepped foot in a big league dugout. Boston remembers Ramirez as the 2004 World Series MVP, a charismatic clubhouse presence, and a slugger with a right-handed swing that was a sight to behold. But now the father of three wants to pay it forward for the next generation of big league stars and apply his hitting expertise to carve a coaching role for any organization that’s interested.
“I’m available to work as a hitting coach for any of the 30 MLB teams,” Ramirez said, according to MLB reporter Héctor Gómez. “I’m confident I can help any team significantly improve their offense.”
Ramirez served as a player-coach for the Iowa Cubs, the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, in 2014. Initially, the then-42-year-old played for the minor league team. But over time, Ramirez’s role transitioned to a hitting consultant as he worked closely with then-prospects Jorge Soler and Javier Baez. Chicago won the World Series two years later, due in large part to the contributions of Soler and Baez.
Only 28 players have ever made the 500 home run club, and Ramirez (with 555) is among the few elite power-hitters to accomplish that feat.
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Whether it came to performing during the rigorous grind of a 162-game regular season or under the bright lights in the postseason, Ramirez has plenty of valuable insight to offer. Boston, specifically, has struggled with its plate discipline. The Red Sox rank third among all MLB teams in strikeouts (499), only ahead of the Los Angeles Angels and the 9-45 Colorado Rockies.
Cincinnati Reds skipper Terry Francona, who managed Ramirez throughout his eight-year stint with the Red Sox, still vouches for the 52-year-old.
“He’s one of the best pure hitters I’ve ever seen. Ever,” Francona told reporters two years ago, as manager of the Cleveland Guardians. “There was such a lovable side to him. When you’re in charge of a team, there were times where he could be challenging. But he also had a really lovable side of him, and he could really hit.”
Ramirez is spotted from time to time on social media helping young players work on their swings, and recently watched his son, Lucas Ramirez, get selected in the 17th round of the 2024 MLB Draft by the Angels.
