From poverty in Baní to a historic 30-30 club milestone
In short: José Ramírez didn't just join the elite ranks of baseball; he redefined what a third baseman could do. By balancing raw power with unexpected speed, he became the first primary infielder of his position to reach a historic 250-home run and 250-stolen base club.
Born in Baní, Dominican Republic, Ramírez grew up in poverty, often playing in adult leagues by age 13. His path to the Major Leagues was nearly overlooked; in 2009, a scout noticed him during a brief three-day stint at a facility in Boca Chica. After signing for a $50,000 bonus, he spent years navigating the minor leagues, eventually making his MLB debut on September 1, 2013, as a pinch runner for the Cleveland Indians.
Ramírez's career is defined by explosive statistical peaks. In 2017, he led the league in doubles with 56 and posted a .957 OPS—the highest ever for a player who spent significant time at both second and third base. He also joined the exclusive 30-30 club in 2018, becoming the first player to do so since Mike Trout in 2012. By 2025, he reached a new milestone as the first Cleveland player to record 250 home runs and 250 stolen bases.
Beyond the numbers, his impact is measured in community and resilience. He often cites the influence of Miguel Tejada, a fellow Baní native, and has worked to continue that legacy of philanthropy. This includes donating an all-turf field in his hometown. Despite facing significant slumps—including a period in 2019 where he struggled with a lack of fastballs to drive—Ramírez has consistently demonstrated the ability to rebound, leading the league in walk-to-strikeout ratios and power-speed metrics.
His versatility has also been a hallmark of his tenure in Cleveland. During the 2016 season, he became the first player that year to record hits from every spot in the batting order while playing four different positions, including second base, third base, shortstop, and left field.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: José Ramírez (third baseman)
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/history-jos-ram-rez-third-baseman.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Born on this day · More in History · Latest · A–Z · All topics
