Rafael Ramírez (baseball)
Encyclopedia
Rafael Emilio Ramírez Peguero (born February 18, 1958 in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic), is a former professional baseball player who played in the major leagues primarily as a shortstop from 1980-1992. Ramirez made his major league debut on August 4, 1980 for the Atlanta Braves
and played his final game on October 3, 1992 as a member of the Houston Astros
.
One of a handful of ML players from the town of San Pedro de Macoris in the Dominican Republic, Ramirez was the Braves' speedy, smooth-fielding shortstop from 1981 to 1986, leading NL shortstops in double plays four straight years while hitting quite well for his position. He made the NL All-Star team in 1984 with a .304 average at mid-season, but in 1987 torn knee ligaments limited him to only 56 games and he was traded to Houston after the season. With the Astros in 1988, Ramirez posted his best batting average since 1983 (.276) and drove in a career-high 59 runs. After that, his production slipped, with his batting average never again rising above .261, and plummeting as low as .236 in 1991. He retired following the 1992 season.
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
and played his final game on October 3, 1992 as a member of the Houston Astros
Houston Astros
The Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team located in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the National League Central division. The Astros are expected to join the American League West division in 2013. Since , they have played their home games at Minute Maid Park, known as Enron Field...
.
One of a handful of ML players from the town of San Pedro de Macoris in the Dominican Republic, Ramirez was the Braves' speedy, smooth-fielding shortstop from 1981 to 1986, leading NL shortstops in double plays four straight years while hitting quite well for his position. He made the NL All-Star team in 1984 with a .304 average at mid-season, but in 1987 torn knee ligaments limited him to only 56 games and he was traded to Houston after the season. With the Astros in 1988, Ramirez posted his best batting average since 1983 (.276) and drove in a career-high 59 runs. After that, his production slipped, with his batting average never again rising above .261, and plummeting as low as .236 in 1991. He retired following the 1992 season.