Hollywood, Florida 5/19/2010 12:50:52 AM
Hanley Ramirez Benched and Unapologetic
Marlins Shortstop Benched for Not Hustling
On Monday night, Florida Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez was benched after failing to hustle during an important play in a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. After accidentally kicking a baseball with his foot, an injured Ramirez didn't seem in too much of a hurry to retrieve the loose ball. Two Diamondback runners scored and one advanced to third, so the error was nothing that was easily ignored in the 5-1 Marlins loss. Ramirez was benched for the incident, and on Tuesday, he appeared to be both angered about being benched and unapologetic for his actions. He spoke rather negatively about Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez, saying, "It's his team. He can do whatever he [expletive] want" After Ramirez explained that "I wasn't trying to give up...That was the hardest I could go after the ball," he said of Gonzalez, "That's OK. He doesn't understand that. He never played in the big leagues." Gonzalez has also spoken on the issue, saying, "Hanley left the game because we felt -- he got smoked in the ankle -- but we felt whether he was hurt or not hurt or whatever it was, we felt that the effort wasn't there that we wanted." The Marlins are set to play the Diamondbacks on Tuesday, and Ramirez is not listed on the lineup. (Sources: ESPN.com and MLB.com)
Even though Ramirez is in the middle of a drama with his team, he is still widely considered to be one of the best players in the MLB. Since joining the Marlins in 2006, this 26 year old baseball star has won a National League batting title, an NL Rookie of the Year Award, 2 All-Star selections, and Silver Slugger Awards. Luckily for Hanley Ramirez fans, Hollywood Collectibles carries a great selection of authentic signed Hanley Ramirez memorabilia, including signed baseball gloves, signed baseballs, autographed baseball bats, signed photos, signed baseball jerseys, autographed game used Florida Marlins pants, and much more! Each of these valuable authentic signed sports collectibles comes with a certificate of authenticity and would make a great gift for Hanley Ramirez fans, Florida Marlins fans, and sports memorabilia collectors.
