Last year, Cleveland Guardians third baseman José Ramírez agreed to a long-term contract extension to stay in Cleveland for the remainder of his career.
This commitment to his home and his community displayed José’s loyalty and humility that he embodies on the field among his teammates. The five-time All-Star has finished in the top four in MVP voting on four occasions throughout his career, and yet, José’s loyalty and humility make him one of the most charitable players in the league.
José vividly recalls growing up in a family that did not have much work -- and therefore not much money -- putting pressure on him as a 12-year-old to provide for his household. Always looking for the proper equipment to train, José can still recall the feeling of his baseball glove fitting much too tightly and the challenges he faced not being able to afford a new one. Baseball -- with or without the right equipment -- was his outlet, his craft and his only way out for his family.
José emphasizes the importance of safe spaces for youth not only to grow athletically but also to learn discipline and respect. José feels responsible for youth in each of his homes, in Cleveland and Baní, Dominican Republic, and is invested in the future of each community. Last year, José worked with the Guardians to build José Ramírez Field in the Clark-Fulton neighborhood, home to the largest Latino population in Ohio. José’s gift rejuvenates a growing community and provides a home turf for the nearby Lincoln West High School baseball team and the Guardians Nike RBI teams.
In Baní, José has partnered with the Guardians to refurbish El Play de Villa Majega, the exact baseball field he played on as a kid. The field provides the community of Baní with a safe space to compete on the field and escape the threats of everyday life. As a result of his partnership, youth will have a place to develop, share in new experiences, work hard and learn the value of teamwork. “El play,” or “the field,” the central focus of the neighborhood, will become even more popular of a hangout for the local youth, and will aim to provide an outlet for the children in which it serves.
José understands that resources are an incredible gift to give to a community. In fact, his grandmother influenced him to share his resources with others as much as possible. José emphasizes that his grandmother, who passed away earlier in the 2023 season, taught him always to do good and leave behind an impact.
In addition to sharing his resources, José believes it is essential to give his time and advice. In his second year as a Guardians Youth Baseball and Softball Ambassador, José visits baseball and softball players in Cleveland and Baní to teach them the game, answer their questions and distribute equipment.
Most recently, José hosted a Play Ball Clinic at Estadio De Baseball Luis Maria Herrera in Baní. He came with present and former teammates and spoke about respect for parents, hard work, the importance of education and dedication to baseball. He pitched to the kids, and he handed out matte helmets, aluminum bats and gloves to youth who likely had never owned any proper baseball equipment.
In Cleveland, José has developed a relationship with the Guardians Nike RBI program. His visit with the RBI players in July allowed him to relate to the baseball and softball players about what it’s like to live in poverty, what it’s like to want to make it to the big leagues, and in one case even what it’s like to be a father.
José’s investment of time and resources undoubtedly will alter the trajectory of numerous youths’ lives in Cleveland and Baní. His loyalty to his homes and his investment in the future of each city continue to pave the way for better discipline, more respect and more hard work. Education, José believes, will be more possible to achieve through baseball, and his service to the community is an inspiration to the Guardians clubhouse.