Hanley Ramírez

Hanley Ramírez (born December 23, 1983 in Samaná, Dominican Republic) is a shortstop in Major League Baseball for the Florida Marlins. Ramírez was named 2006 NL Rookie of the Year by the Baseball Writers Association of America.In 2009, Ramírez won the NL batting title and is a three-time All-Star starter. Additionally, Ramirez finished runner-up in the 2010 Home Run Derby.

Minor League career

Ramírez signed with the Boston Red Sox as an International Free Agent in July 2000. He was discovered by scouts and was considered the top prospect in the Boston Red Sox organization. He was traded to the Florida Marlins in 2005 together with Aníbal Sánchez for Josh Beckett, Mike Lowell and Guillermo Mota.

career

During Spring Training in 2006, Ramírez was impressive enough to earn the starting shortstop job for the Marlins over another candidate, shortstop Robert Andino. Ramírez led all MLB rookies with 185 hits, 119 runs, 11 triples and 51 SBs. He hit 7 leadoff home runs, the most in team history for a season and career.

Ramírez's 46 doubles in the 2006 season is the all-time NL record for a shortstop age 22 or younger. He is the first NL rookie to post 110-plus runs and 50-plus stolen bases.

He became the fifth big-league player since 1900 to hit 45-plus doubles and have 50-plus stolen bases, joining Hall of Famers Ty Cobb, Tris Speaker and Lou Brock. He finished the spectacular season with the Rookie of the Year Award. Because he didn’t accumulate 130 at bats in the majors or spend 45 days on the Red Sox’ MLB roster he was eligible for the award.

Personal

Ramírez has a son, Hanley Ramírez Jr., born November 15, 2004. His wife, Sanoe, gave birth to their second son, Hansel, on September 12, 2007. Ramírez enjoys reggae music and DJ'ing. He also enjoys listening to Merengue and Bachata music. His two favorite music artists are Don Omar and 50 Cent.