Morning Sports Update

Manny Ramirez offered a very ‘Manny being Manny’ quote ahead of 2004 Red Sox ceremony

Ramirez will be one of the members of the 2004 team in attendance at Tuesday's home opener.

Manny Ramirez Manny being Manny
Manny Ramirez smiles as he rounds the bases following a 2008 home run. Jim Davis/Globe Staff

By Hayden Bird

Manny is still being Manny: The 2024 Red Sox home opener on Tuesday afternoon will also serve as a commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the iconic 2004 championship team. Nearly 40 members of the 2004 Red Sox will be gathered at Fenway Park for a pregame ceremony (which will also honor the lives of Tim and Stacy Wakefield, as well as late team president Larry Lucchino).

Included in the group is legendary outfielder Manny Ramirez. The inimitable Ramirez was the 2004 World Series MVP, helping Boston pull off its miraculous comeback against the Yankees in the American League Championship Series before leading the way to end the 86-year title drought. Given his production (and contributions to the team’s success), he stands as one of the greatest free agent signings in Red Sox history.

Advertisement:

Ramirez, now 51, spoke at a “Foundation To Be Named Later” event on Monday. Unsurprisingly, he’s still in the “Manny being Manny” mindset.

“Actually, I want to play again, because I need 400 hits for 3,000,” Ramirez said, per Boston Herald reporter Gabrielle Starr. “I think they need my bat!”

During his seven and a half years in Boston, Ramirez slugged 274 home runs and held a .312 batting average. He combined with David Ortiz to create one of the most prolific middle-of-the-order pairings in team history.

“I told you, I’m not trying to retire,” he insisted when asked if he ever officially called time on his career by WEEI’s Rob Bradford. “I need 400 hits for 3,000, I need to come back!”

Ramirez finished 164 votes shy of the required threshold to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame earlier in 2024, as his candidacy was hurt by multiple violations of the MLB drug policy.

Yet for Red Sox fans, he remains a largely beloved figure. As for his possible entrance for Tuesday’s ceremony, he might pull a page from a classic Manny moment.

“I want to come out of left field,” he said, referencing one of his many humorous episodes in which he briefly ducked into Fenway Park’s Green Monster during a game.

Trivia: UConn set the men’s college basketball record for point differential in the NCAA Tournament (+140). The previous record-holder was a team that featured four future Celtics. Can you name the year and school?

Advertisement:

(Answer at the bottom).

Hint: It was also led by a future Celtics coach.

Scores and schedules:

On Monday, UConn basketball became the first men’s team since Florida in 2006-2007 to win back-to-back championships, defeating Purdue 75-60 in what has become characteristically dominant fashion.

Today is the Red Sox’ 2024 home opener against the Orioles at Fenway Park. First pitch is set for 2:10 p.m.

Tonight:

  • Hurricanes vs. Bruins at 7 p.m.
  • Celtics at Bucks at 7:30 p.m.
  • Revolution at Club América at 10:30 p.m.

More from Boston.com:

Around the bases in (under) 15 seconds: Reds outfielder Elly De La Cruz had quite the night on Monday, hitting home runs from both sides of the plate. It was highlighted by the fact that one of his home runs was an inside-the-park version:

On this day: In 2021, Jayson Tatum dropped 53 points on the Timberwolves in a 145-136 Celtics win. Only Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and two other performances by Tatum himself topped his single-game point total in Celtics history.

Daily highlight: Also from the Reds, here’s Stuart Fairchild taking a home run away from Brewers infielder Willy Adames.

Trivia answer: 1996 Kentucky

Conversation

This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com