Hanley Ramirez has seen this movie before — or something like it, at least.
As Mookie Betts continues to rake at Boston Red Sox spring training, Ramirez can’t help but have flashbacks to a point in his own career.
“Reminds me of myself in ’06, when I was trying to make the (Florida Marlins),” Ramirez told reporters after Sunday’s Grapefruit League win over the Philadelphia Phillies at JetBlue Park.
Ramirez, who was traded from the Red Sox to the Marlins in November 2005, hit .311 (23 for 74) with three homers, seven RBIs and a .922 OPS in 23 spring training games in 2006. Ramirez, then a 22-year-old shortstop, broke camp with the Fish and won Rookie of the Year honors. Betts appears to be on a similar track, as the 22-year-old outfielder has all but secured a spot in Boston’s Opening Day lineup by virtue of his play this spring.
Betts is hitting .471 (16-for-34) with a homer, two RBIs, six doubles, two triples and a 1.324 OPS in 11 games this spring. It’s a continuation of the success Betts had down the stretch with the Red Sox last season, when the former fifth-round pick opened eyes despite Boston’s lackluster team play.
“I saw him last year,” Ramirez said, according to ESPN.com. “I was watching one game (on TV). They were playing New York, New York (Yankees) and he hit a home run. I was, ‘Wow, who’s this kid?’ ”
No one seems to have that question any more, as Betts quickly is becoming a household name. Ramirez’s career turned out all right.
It’s now time for Betts to play the lead role.
Thumbnail photo via Brynn Anderson/The Associated Press
