LOS ANGELES — "Mannywood" is no more at Dodger Stadium.
When the Los Angeles Dodgers opened a seven-game homestand Monday night with the San Diego Padres, the "Mannywood" sign that adorned the short fence in the left-field corner was absent — as was the slugging left fielder, who is on the disabled list for the third time this season.
Manny Ramirez came to the Dodgers at the trade deadline two years ago from the Boston Red Sox, and his arrival caused such a stir that the club designated a section of seats to him and allowed fans to shell out $99 — his number with L.A. — for two tickets and two T-shirts per game.
A club spokesman explained that the sign was gone because the John Hancock Insurance Co. purchased signage in each corner for the final two months of the season. It was the only space available on the outfield fence. The spot where Manny's section had been located was available all season, but no one had purchased it until now.
Ramirez, batting .317 with eight home runs and 39 RBIs in 61 games, is in the final season of a two-year, $45 million contract and isn't expected back next season.
The 12-time All-Star and 2004 World Series MVP hasn't played since July 16 because of a right calf strain. The injury occurred in just his second game after being reinstated from the DL after a hamstring injury.