Manny Ramirez.  Man-Ram.  Manny Being Manny.  However you know him to be now, do not over-look what he has done for our team in the past. 

I remember when he was signed in the winter of 2000.  There was a lot of excitement revolving around the signing because of what he did while in Cleveland.  He was a promising addition who came with a hefty price tag.  An eight year, $160 million deal, with $20 million options for 2009 and 2010, pushing the total value of the contract to $200 million for 10 years.  Something that was talked about probably more than Manny himself.   He delivered for us right off the bat proving to us that he may just be worth his weight in gold.  By the time his first season was over, his season stats were a .306 batting average with 41 home runs and 125 RBI.  More than impressive for us title-hungry fans.  The first negative confrontation that he had with the media being involved, that I can remember, is in '03 when he was caught at a bar with some friends when he was supposedly too sick to play the upcoming series.  That stirred up a lot of controversy and may have just been the beginning of "Manny being Manny". 

Then the magical year of 2004 came around.  Manny led the AL with 43 home runs and came in third with 130 RBI.  He would end up being crowned MVP of the 2004 World Series and a HUGE part of the reason why our beloved Sox made it that far.  Something that should NEVER be forgotten.

Copied from Wikipedia during time frame of 2005-2006:

On May 15, Ramirez hit his 400th home run off Gil Meche of the Seattle Mariners. Ramirez is one of only 45 MLB players in the 400 home run club. On July 5, Ramirez hit his 20th career grand slam — and his third of the season — off Chris Young of the Texas Rangers. Only Lou Gehrig, with 23, has hit more.

2007 would end up being yet another landmark year for Manny.  Ramirez hit a walk-off 3-run home run in Game 2 of the ALDS against the Angels. In the fourth inning of the series' final game, Ramirez combined with Papi to hit back-to-back home runs.  During the World Series, Manny batted .348 with 4 home runs and 16 RBI.  Proving to be yet ANOTHER key asset to our second World Series in my lifetime. 

In 2008 he would join an elite club hitting his 500th career home run in our very own Fenway #2 against the Orioles.  Now, we're all use to hearing about his antics and even caught one live during a game in '05 where he disappeared into the Green Monster with just two outs in the sixth to use the bathroom.  Then there was this huge thing circling around when he was patrolling left with a water bottle in his back pocket.  We can't forget the catch-to-high-five play that he made.  My personal favorite (and most embarrassing) moment was that blooper his last year with us.  That hideous display where he bumbled the ball, rolled over it, then finally was able to get the throw off.   There are many "Manny being Manny" moments that we all remember and will never be able to forget.

One thing that I will never forget is everything that he did for our team while he was here.  It baffles my mind how soon people forget when things aren't going to well.  When he slaps Youk for unknown reasons, seems to "take no effort" at the plate and watches three pitches pass by him for strikes.  What about everything that he DID do?  I thank him for what he contributed to this ball club for so long.  Coming through in the clutch, making pansies out of Yankees and being a part of this team during his historic moments.  He really did pull through for us more than he let us down.  Let's not forget what he did do for us.  Whatever he does with the rest of his MLB career, I wish him the best and tip my cap to him.  As long as he doesn't show up dirty during the rest of his career, he'll be a shoe-in for the HOF.  Yes, he did do some stupid things.  But he brought a spark to the club and a big bat when we needed it most.  I appreciate that. 

Thank you Manny for everything that you did for our beloved Boston Red Sox.  Good luck, brother.

GO SOX!
RSM-RLF