Manny Ramirez Raises His Streetside OBP

Manny Ramirez is a very patient hitter. Patient pedestrian though? Perhaps not so much. Which explains quite well how ManRam nearly ended up on the wrong side of a $500 fine for jaywalking outside of Safeco Field in Seattle, courtesy of Geoff Baker's Mariners' Blog at the Seattle Times.

Seems that Boston slugger Manny Ramirez was leaving the ballpark, with headphones on trying to look inconspicuous and quickly get away from the crowds still leaving the stadium. He started to cross South Royal Brougham Way, against the signals of a traffic cop who was directing pedestrians. The police officer demanded that Ramirez open his wallet and show identification. He warned him that he could face a $500 fine and possible arrest for disobeying a police officer.

It became clear to those watching that the policeman had no idea who Ramirez was. He didn't ask for an autograph or anything, but did ask Ramirez if he'd attended the game. After the brief lecture, and no argument from Ramirez, the police officer let him go with no further trouble.

I won't repeatedly mention "Manny Being Manny", because that seems pretty obvious. Also, because I think the most fascinating thing is that the cop barely recognized the easily recognizable All-Star.

Even after he pulled out his wallet and showed his drivers' license (or identification, if you will -- Manny not driving wouldn't shock me in the least.)

Of course, if I was the one that saw Manuel Aristides (Onelcida) Ramirez on someone's driver's license, I'm not guaranteeing it would hit me immediately either. Although the dreads and Massachusetts license might give it away.

Via Projo Sox Blog

Manny Moments

For 15 years Manny Ramirez has been making coaches, fans, and teammates shake their heads in amazement with both his offensive power and jaw-dropping mental lapses. Click through to see some of the more memorable "Manny Moments" from the carefree outfielder's career.

Charles Krupa, AP

Ramirez has had several encounters with the "Green Monster" scoreboard in left field of Fenway Park. Ramirez, seen here peeking out through the door in the "Green Monster," has disappeared into the scoreboard on several occasions during pitching changes, reportedly to make phone calls or relieve himself, despite the fact that there is no bathroom behind the scoreboard.

Charles Krupa, AP

The game on June 5 between Boston and the Rays will probably be better remembered for the bench-clearing brawl, but it also had a "Manny being Manny moment". After the fight, Ramirez and first baseman Kevin Youkilis had to be separated by teammates after the left fielder reportedly told Youkilis to "cut that [expletive] out."

Getty Images

Ramirez turned a routine fly out into a memorable play when he reached into the stands to slap hands with a fan during a game in Baltimore. Ramirez then threw to Dustin Pedroia, whose relay to first doubled off Aubrey Huff. Manny joked about the play after the game. "It was fun. I love it. I think, you know, that's how you get your All-Star vote. I'm pretty sure that guy's gonna vote for me," said Ramirez. "It's one at a time, you know. Get your votes one at a time."

Nick Wass, AP

Ramirez has also been featured in a few strange auction advertisements on eBay. In May 2007, he appeared in a listing that tried to sell an expensive BBQ grill. He later posted a custom Chrysler 300M up for auction.

Winslow Townson, AP

During the 2005 season, the Red Sox faced heavy speculation that Manny would force a trade. But Ramirez erased those doubts when he chopped an RBI single as a pinch hitter versus the Twins, and received a standing ovation 54 minutes after the four o'clock trading deadline had passed. After the game, Ramrez said "It's great, man. They love me here, man. This is the place to be. 'Manny being Manny,' he's great, man."

Charles Krupa, AP

In 2002, while rehabbing with the Pawtucket Red Sox, Manny lost his diamond earring sliding into third base. After the game, 13 PawSox players and the Syracuse grounds crew combed the third base area and found the stud, but not the diamond that was reportedly worth a $15,000.

Michael Dwyer, AP