A native of Bayamón, Puerto Rico, Jean played three seasons in the Rays minor league system before joining the major league staff in 2019 as a bullpen catcher. In that role, he developed countless close relationships with players and staff. All who knew Jean, knew his kind heart. Jean Ramirez died by suicide in January 2022. The Rays and the Ramirez family are working together to raise awareness around the importance of mental health.
Mental Health Awareness
IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE IS IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE, PLEASE CALL 211 OR DIAL 1 (800) 273-TALK (8255).
Honoring Jean Ramirez
Jean’s Charity of Choice
Keeper of the Game
The mission of Keeper of The Game is to provide kids and young adults with special needs and disabilities unique baseball experiences that foster the growth of those individuals and their love of baseball. Keeper of The Game promotes programs that allow these athletes to play, watch and experience baseball at a very personal level. This is all done with a focus on advancing servant leadership. Learn More
Mental Health Awareness Auction
The Tampa Bay Rays will auction No. 98 jerseys worn by the entire starting lineup during the March 25, 2022 game vs. the Baltimore Orioles. Other available items for bid include autographed baseballs, DEX Imaging Home Plate Club seats for upcoming games, luxury suite packages and memorabilia contributed by players and coaches who worked alongside Jean. All proceeds benefit the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. The auction ends May 18, 2022. Bid Now
Partners
Crisis Center of Tampa Bay
Since 1972, the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay has been committed to bringing help, hope and healing to people facing serious life challenges. The Suicide Prevention Program at the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay offers a variety of services aimed at preventing suicidal behavior and intervening with affected people. The program is multifaceted in order to address the complex issues and concerns surrounding suicide and self-harming behavior. Learn more
Tampa Bay Thrives
Founded in 2019, Tampa Bay Thrives was formed to improve the lives of individuals greatly affected by mental health and substance use disorders. Tampa Bay Thrives is an innovative non-profit with a mission of mobilizing the community to strengthen behavioral health outcomes for depression, anxiety and substance use disorder, with a focus on improving early intervention, access, and awareness. Learn more
211 Tampa Bay Cares
Founded in 1996, the mission of 211 Tampa Bay Cares is to improve lives through the power of information and hope. Their goal is to create a community connected and informed about critical health and human services, both for those in need of help and those willing to volunteer or donate their time to local agencies. Learn more
Home Runs for Hope
With his Home Runs for Hope campaign, Rays infielder Brandon Lowe and his wife, Madison, donate $100 to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay for each home run Lowe hits. The Rays Baseball Foundation has pledged to match the donation to double the funding. The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay provides a range of programs and services to ensure that no one in the community has to face a crisis alone. It is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year as the community gateway to help. People who are struggling with a variety of crisis situations including sexual assault or abuse, domestic violence, financial distress, substance abuse, medical emergency, suicidal thoughts and other emotional or situational problems can connect to hope and healing.
Spring Training - Friday, March 25, 2022 vs. Baltimore Orioles
On March 25, 2022, vs. the Baltimore Orioles, the Rays honored Jean Ramirez. All Rays players in the starting lineup wore No. 98 jerseys and a bullpen windscreen was unveiled to honor Jean’s memory. A moment of silence was held as Jean’s parents, Carlos and Toni Ramirez were in attendance. Brandon Lowe sported cleats designed by Jean as he hit a grand slam and ended the game with 5 RBI.
Mental Health Awareness Month
To support raising mental health awareness in the community, the Rays will participate in various efforts on and off the field.
- At the beginning of the month, the Tropicana Field roof will be lit green in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month.
- Throughout May, the Tampa Bay Rays will wear green ribbons, the international symbol for mental health awareness, to show support.
- The entire Tampa Bay Rays team will wear ‘JR’ stickers on their helmets for the entire month of April and May to honor the memory of Jean Ramirez.
Media
IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE IS IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE, PLEASE CALL 211 OR DIAL 1 (800) 273-TALK (8255).