Son of Red Sox Legend Manny Ramirez Ready for WBC Spotlight

For Boston Red Sox fans, the World Baseball Classic (WBC) presents an exciting and emotional moment as Lucas Ramirez, the son of legendary outfielder Manny Ramirez, prepares to take the field for Team Brazil. Starting with a matchup against Team USA on Friday, Lucas will be donning No. 24, the same number his father famously wore throughout his storied career with the Red Sox. This is not just a milestone for the young outfielder but also a significant moment for Red Sox fans who still remember Manny Ramirez‘s time in Boston.

Manny’s Legacy, Lucas’s Opportunity

While Manny Ramirez is widely known as a Dominican Republic baseball icon, Lucas Ramirez‘s story has a unique twist. His mother, Juliana, hails from São Paulo, Brazil, giving Lucas the opportunity to represent Brazil in the WBC. The 20-year-old expressed how much it means to him to wear the Brazilian colors and showcase his skills, not just for his family’s legacy, but also for his mother’s heritage.

“It means a lot,” said Lucas Ramirez. “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.”

This is a special moment for the Ramirez family, especially since Lucas is following in his father’s footsteps in more ways than one. Manny Ramirez was known for his explosive bat and powerful hitting style, and Lucas has clearly inherited those traits. However, his father has had a unique impact on his son’s approach to the game—teaching him to hit left-handed.

The Influence of Manny Ramirez

Despite being naturally right-handed, Lucas Ramirez learned to bat left-handed under the guidance of his father, who has also served as his lifelong hitting coach. Manny’s influence is evident in the way Lucas approaches the plate. Lucas said, “He just made me a lefty when I was little and I just stuck to it. 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.”

This father-son bond, combined with Manny’s mentorship, has clearly shaped Lucas’s approach to the game. As the 20-year-old prepares for a major stage in the WBC, he’ll be drawing from the wealth of knowledge his father passed on, with all eyes watching to see if the young player can rise to the occasion.

Early Success with Team Brazil

Lucas Ramirez has already shown his potential in Spring Training with Team Brazil. In an exhibition game against the Texas Rangers, Lucas hit a home run off of ace Jacob deGrom, signaling his readiness for the spotlight. This impressive start has given Team Brazil fans hope as they look ahead to their first WBC appearance since 2013.

Brazil’s road to advancing past the competitive Pool B—which also features the United States—won’t be easy. But Lucas Ramirez believes in his team’s strength and resilience. “We’re underrated,” he said confidently. “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.”

Brazil may not be among the favorites to make a deep run in the WBC, but Lucas Ramirez’s confident and passionate approach has the potential to inspire his team. The presence of his father’s legacy, combined with his own budding talents, could provide the spark for Team Brazil to make some noise in the tournament.

The Road Ahead for Lucas Ramirez

While it’s clear that Lucas Ramirez is still at the beginning of his career, the WBC provides him with an incredible platform to showcase his skills on an international stage. The tournament could also serve as an opportunity for Lucas to carve out his path in professional baseball.

After being selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the 17th round of the 2024 MLB Draft, Lucas posted a solid .772 OPS in their minor league system last year, showing promise for the future. With a powerful bat and impressive defensive ability, Lucas’s future looks bright, and this year’s WBC could be the perfect stage for him to announce his presence on the international scene.

For Manny Ramirez, watching his son step onto the field for Team Brazil will undoubtedly be a moment of pride, as he sees Lucas carrying on the family legacy while making his own mark in the baseball world. Whether Lucas Ramirez and Team Brazil can overcome the odds in the WBC remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: this is just the beginning of a promising career for the son of a baseball legend.