| Alexei Ramírez | |
|---|---|
 Ramírez with the Chicago White Sox | |
| Shortstop | |
| Born: (1981-09-22)September 22, 1981 (age 44) Pinar del Río,Cuba | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| March 31, 2008, for the Chicago White Sox | |
| Last MLB appearance | |
| October 2, 2016, for the Tampa Bay Rays | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Batting average | .270 |
| Home runs | 115 |
| Runs batted in | 590 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
Medals | |
Alexei Fernando Ramírez Rodriguez (born September 22, 1981) is aCuban former professionalbaseballshortstop. He played inMajor League Baseball (MLB) for theChicago White Sox,San Diego Padres andTampa Bay Rays, and forPinar del Rio of theCuban National Series. His nickname, given to him by former White Sox managerOzzie Guillén, is "the Cuban Missile" due to his tall, slim physique and combination of speed, power, and strong throwing arm. Ramírez batted and threw right-handed.
In seven years of baseball in theCuban National Series, Ramírez spent most of his time playingshortstop andoutfield forPinar del Rio.[1] He had a batting average of .332 in Cuba, and led the league in 2007 with 20 home runs while posting a .335 average.[1] Ramírez playedcenter field for Cuba at the2006 World Baseball Classic, collecting six hits in 16 at-bats and impressingMajor League Baseball scouts in the process.
In September 2007, Ramírez left Cuba to apply for citizenship in theDominican Republic, and also apply to Major League Baseball to enter free agency, according to his agent, Jaime Torres. He auditioned for many baseball teams before coming to an agreement on a four-year, $8 million contract with theChicago White Sox on December 21, 2007.[2]
Ramírez made his MLB debut on March 31, 2008 against theCleveland Indians, finishing the game 0-for-4 as the starting center fielder.[3] He recorded his first major league hit on April 2,[4] a single off Indians relieverJorge Julio.[5] Ramírez hit his first major league home run on May 16,[4] offSan Francisco Giants relieverBilly Sadler.[6]
Ramírez hit his first careergrand slam on July 22, 2008.[7] On September 19, Ramírez hit his third grand slam of the season off of pitcherBrian Bannister of theKansas City Royals, tying an American League rookie record set byShane Spencer of theNew York Yankees in 1998. It was the White Sox's eleventh grand slam of the season, equaling the previous club record from 2006.[8] On September 29, Ramírez hit his fourth grand slam of the season, setting a major-league single-season record for a rookie,[9] off ofDetroit Tigers pitcherGary Glover in an 8–2 Sox victory to qualify the Sox for aone-game tiebreaker against theMinnesota Twins for the AL Central title. This also broke the team record for most grand slams in a single season.[10]
During his first season in the Majors, Ramírez excelled both offensively and in the field, despite primarily playing second base instead of his customary shortstop position. Over 136 games, he posted a .290 batting average, hitting 21 homers and recording 77 RBI.[11] He finished in second place in the voting forAmerican LeagueRookie of the Year honors, losing toEvan Longoria of theTampa Bay Rays.[12] Ramírez led the major leagues in grand slam home runs in 2008, with four, and also swung at 59% of all pitches he saw for the season, also the most in the majors.[13]
Ramírez appeared in 148 games in his second MLB season. He posted a .277 batting average, 15 home runs, 68 RBI, and 15 stolen bases.[11] He fielded aground ball for the final out ofMark Buehrle's July 23, 2009perfect game.[14]
Ramírez saw action in 156 games with Chicago. His batting average climbed to .282 and he tallied 18 homers and 70 RBI. He also won the American LeagueSilver Slugger Award for the shortstop position.[11][15]
On January 31, 2011, Ramírez signed a four-year, $32.5 million contract with the White Sox that included a club option for a fifth year.[16] In 158 games, Ramírez posted a .269 batting average, 15 home runs, and 70 RBI.[11]
Ramírez again appeared in 158 games, as his batting average dipped slightly to .265. His home run total decreased to nine, but he still had 73 RBI. He also set a new career high with 20 steals.[11]
For a third consecutive season, Ramírez saw action in exactly 158 games. His batting average of .284 was the highest since his rookie season. His power numbers fell further as he hit only six homers and recorded 48 RBI. He also stole 30 bases, surpassing his previous career best from the year before.[11]
On May 5, 2014, Ramírez recorded his 1,000th career hit off ofChicago Cubs' pitcherJustin Grimm in the 12th inning of theCrosstown Classic.[17][18]
Ramírez was announced to his first All-Star game at the2014 MLB All-Star Game along with teammatesChris Sale and fellow countrymanJosé Abreu. He replacedDerek Jeter in the field in what was previously announced to be the Yankee star's final MLB season.[19]
On November 4, 2015, the White Sox declined Ramírez's $10 million option for the 2016 season, making him a free agent.[20]
On January 22, 2016, Ramírez signed a one-year, $3 million contract with theSan Diego Padres, with a $4 million mutual option for 2017.[21] He broke upSteven Matz's no-hit bid with a RBI single in a game against theNew York Mets on August 14, 2016.[22] Ramírez appeared in 128 games with the Padres, mainly at shortstop. He batted .240, with five home runs and 41 RBI.[11] He was released by the Padres on September 4.[23]
On September 8, 2016, Ramírez signed a major league deal with the Rays.[24] He appeared in 17 games with Tampa Bay, tallying a .246 average, one home run, and 7 RBI. On November 3, Ramírez became a free agent.[11]
On February 8, 2018, Ramírez signed with theDiablos Rojos del México of theMexican Baseball League.[25] He was released by the team on August 16, 2018. In 37 games he hit .236/.306/.340 with 2 home runs, 19 RBIs and 1 stolen base.
In May 2020, Ramírez announced he was still seeking professional baseball opportunities. He later confirmed his retirement the next year.[26]
