Boston Red Sox supporters might spot a familiar face among the U.S. opponents as the World Baseball Classic commences.
Lucas Ramirez, an outfielder for the Los Angeles Angels, is set to represent Brazil in the WBC, with their opening game against Team USA scheduled for Friday evening. He will wear jersey number 24, a tribute to the legendary Manny Ramirez, who famously sported the same number throughout his illustrious career with the Boston Red Sox.
While the iconic Red Sox player hails from the Dominican Republic, Lucas’s mother, Juliana, was born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil. According to Martín Gallegos of MLB.com, Lucas expressed his appreciation for the chance to play for her home country.
Ramirez stated, “It means a lot. I get to showcase my abilities for Team Brazil and represent her. I’m not only representing Brazil in baseball. I’m representing the whole country and showing love to the culture.”
The Angels selected Lucas Ramirez in the 17th round of the 2024 MLB Draft, and he recorded a .772 OPS in their minor league system last season. Despite being naturally right-handed, Ramirez adopted a left-handed batting stance under the guidance of his father, a nine-time Silver Slugger award winner.
“He just made me a lefty when I was little and I just stuck to it,” Ramirez explained. “He was my hitting coach my whole life. I didn’t go to anybody else. I just trusted him. I tried to implement some of the stuff he did when he played, just from the left side. Nothing different.”
Ramirez has had an impressive start for Team Brazil. The 20-year-old hit a home run off ace Jacob deGrom in an exhibition contest against the Texas Rangers on Wednesday.
This year marks Brazil’s first WBC appearance since 2013, entering as an underdog to advance beyond a five-country Pool B that also includes the United States. Nevertheless, Ramirez cautioned those who doubt them not to underestimate their potential.
“We’re underrated,” Ramirez declared. “A lot of people think [teams] are just going to walk all over us, but nah. We’ve got some power. We’ve got strength. We’re going to fight.”
Further MLB News: Aaron Boone of the Yankees Commends Red Sox’s ‘Really Good’ Lineup