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GETTING TO KNOW MANNY
Over the course of a long and successful career in the U.S., Manny Ramirez became one of the most recognizable, talented and controversial players in Major League Baseball history.
The slugger made his debut in the major leagues in 1993, and would go on to hit 555 home runs, ranking 14th all-time. Although Ramirez played for five Major League teams, the Dominican-American outfielder will be most remembered in the U.S. for his time with the Boston Red Sox.
In 2004, Ramirez was named the World Series Most Valuable Player after leading the Red Sox to their first title since 1918. He would go on to win another World Series title with Boston in 2007.
Former New York Yankees ace Chien-Ming Wang faced Ramirez often when Ramirez was playing for the Boston Red Sox and described him as "a tough slugger." This is perhaps something of an understatement.
An incredibly skilled and powerful hitter, Ramirez holds a number of notable records in Major League Baseball. He has hit the highest number of postseason home runs ever with 29, and is one of only 25 players to have hit over 500 career home runs. He has hit 29 grand slams, putting him third on the all-time list. Ramirez also appeared in 12 All-Star games and was the 2004 American League home run champion.
Despite his undoubted talents, Ramirez has courted controversy. The latter stages of his career have been overshadowed by two suspensions for using banned substances. He was suspended twice after failing to pass drug tests in 2009 and 2011. Now the star is hoping for redemption during his time in Taiwan.
Ramirez's quest for a fresh start in baseball began on March 13, when he began training with his EDA Rhinos teammates in Kaohsiung, just one day after signing his one-year contract with the team. Ramirez was introduced to his fellow Rhinos by manager Hsu Sheng-ming and was reunited with Hu Chin-lung, his teammate at the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2008 to 2010. Ramirez said he felt OK after the workout and expected to gradually return to peak form.
Hsu said he expected Ramirez's work permit to be approved in time for the Rhinos' first regular season home game on March 27, meaning this game will likely capture the attention of every single sports fan in Taiwan.
But more important than how he plays is the impact that Ramirez will have on the sport in Taiwan. Hsu said the Rhinos did not sign Ramirez just to help the team win and boost ticket sales, but also to help raise the league's quality and attract higher caliber foreign players to the country.
There is no doubt that Taiwan's professional league needs to rebuild its reputation both at home and abroad. And in Manny Ramirez, it now has an international star to help it do so. There are risks involved as Ramirez has proven to be a controversial figure in the past, but there is also no doubt that he can connect with fans in a way that few other players can. Can Ramirez usher in a golden age for Taiwanese baseball? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain — everyone will be watching.
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