Former Sea Dog Hanley Ramirez Named National League Rookie of the Year
Published on November 13, 2006 under Eastern League (EL1)
Portland Sea Dogs News Release
Portland, Maine- Former Portland Sea Dogs' shortstop Hanley Ramirez was named National League Rookie of the Year this afternoon. Justin Verlander of the Detroit Tigers was named American League Rookie of the Year. Former Sea Dog Jonathan Papelbon finished second in the American League Rookie of the Year voting. The Baseball Writers Association of America made the selections.
The 22 year-old Ramirez was acquired by the Florida Marlins along with Sea Dogs' teammate Anibal Sanchez from the Boston Red Sox on November 24, 2005 in the deal that sent former Sea Dog Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell to the Boston Red Sox. In 158 games with the Marlins in 2006, Ramirez hit .292 with 46 doubles, 11 triples, 17 home runs, 59 RBI's, 119 runs scored, and 51 stolen bases.
Ramirez is the first National League rookie to ever record 110-plus runs and 50-plus stolen bases in a season. He joined Hall of Famer Ernie Banks as the only National League rookie shortstops to hit 17 home runs or more in a season. He is just the fifth Major League Baseball player since 1900 to collect 45-plus doubles and 50-plus stolen bases in a season. That exclusive club is occupied by Hall of Famers Ty Cobb, Tris Speaker, and Lou Brock as well as All-Star Craig Biggio.
Additionally, Ramirez hit seven leadoff homers, tying Nomar Garciapparra for a Major League season rookie record.
Boston Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon appeared in 59 games for the Red Sox in 2006 posting a 4-2 record with 35 saves and a 0.92 ERA. Papelbon, 25, was selected by the Red Sox in the fourth round of the June 2003 draft.
Ramirez and Papelbon were teammates in Portland in 2005. In 122 games with the Sea Dogs in 2005 Ramirez hit .271 with six home runs, 52 RBI's and 26 stolen bases. As a starter for Portland in 2005 Papelbon posted a 5-2 record with a 2.48 ERA in 14 games. Both were selected to the 2005 Eastern League All-Star Game. The Sea Dogs captured the Eastern League Northern Division title in 2005 and reached the Eastern League Championship for the first time in eight years.
The Sea Dogs open the 2007 season on Thursday, April 5th at 6:00 PM against the Connecticut Defenders at Hadlock Field. Tickets for the 2007 season are currently on sale and can be purchased by calling the Sea Dogs Ticket Office at 207-879-9500 or on-line at www.seadogs.com.
Eastern League Stories from November 13, 2006
- Former Sea Dog Hanley Ramirez Named National League Rookie of the Year - Portland Sea Dogs
- Former SeaWolf named Rookie of the Year - Erie SeaWolves
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
