Manny Ramirez Jr. and Lucas Ramirez continue a legacy of greatness on the diamond and each brings his skillset to Victoria HarbourCats roster this summer.
“These are notable signings not just for us, but for the entire West Coast League – this will be exciting news for our fans and sponsors, no question,” said Jim Swanson of the HarbourCats. “They come highly recommended by our former pitching coach, Alec Adame, who is coaching Manny Jr. at ELAC (East LA College). It’s been a pleasure working with the family to set this all up, and we know Victoria will welcome them all with open arms – to the city rated the best city in the world.”
Their father Manny Ramirez was once the most-feared hitter in the Major Leagues, a perennial all-star with a big personality who won a World Series, a batting title, and could change any game with one swing.
Manny Jr., 21, and Lucas, 18, carry the same potential, the HarbourCats said in a news release announcing their signing.
A freshman, Manny Jr. currently leads East L.A. College with three home runs and has 18 runs driven in over 20 games, adding nine doubles and walking 14 times. The 6’3”, 210 pound outfielder is a product of Calvary Christian high school in Clearwater, Fla.
At 6’3” and 200 pounds, Lucas is a graduating high school senior at powerful American Heritage in Florida and is a possible high round pick in the coming draft thanks to already developing power from the left side. He’s committed to the University of Tennessee for the fall.
They have a tremendous baseball role model to aspire to. Manny Ramirez played 19 seasons and batted .312 with 555 home runs, the 15th highest total in MLB history. He is a 12-time all-star, MVP of the 2004 World Series, won the 2002 American League batting title, and was the Hank Aaron Award winner in 1999 and 2004. He was also part of a second Red Sox team to win the World Series in 2007, and hit more post-season home runs (29) than anyone in the history of the game.
The HarbourCats open on the road May 31 in Kamloops, the start of back-to-back series in Kamloops and Kelowna, before returning for the June 7 home opener against Wenatchee. The regular season runs until Aug. 7, with WCL playoffs Aug. 10 to 16.
Get tickets online at harbourcats.com/tickets or in person at the HarbourCats office, 101-1814 Vancouver St.