José Ramírez now owns a coveted franchise record that had stood since 1918
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CLEVELAND -- José Ramírez stepped out of the Guardians’ dugout entering the top of the sixth inning on Monday night to a chorus of cheers from the Cleveland faithful. As he approached third base, the number “1,620” appeared on Progressive Field’s left-field videoboard.
Before taking his position, Ramírez was greeted by first-base coach Sandy Alomar Jr. From one Cleveland legend to another, Alomar lifted the third base bag out of the ground and handed it to Ramírez, who held it above his head in celebration.
When Monday’s 4-2 series-opening loss to the Royals became official after five innings, Ramírez set a new franchise record for games played by appearing in his 1,620th career contest. The 33-year-old snapped a tie with Terry Turner, who appeared in his 1,619th and final game for the franchise on Sept. 1, 1918.
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“Every day I'm reminded how deep the history of Cleveland is and how far back it goes, and how many different things they endured,” Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan said. “I think for someone -- especially in today's day and age -- to break a record that has been around for so long, that speaks to who José is and what he encapsulates.”
What Ramírez encapsulates is durability and longevity, and loyalty to the only franchise he has ever known. A native of Bani, Dominican Republic, Ramírez signed with Cleveland as an international free agent on Nov. 26, 2009. He went on to make his MLB debut on Sept. 1, 2013, as a 20-year-old who was called up directly from Double-A.
Ramírez is now in his 14th season with Cleveland. He has twice signed team-friendly contract extensions to remain with the Guardians, in 2022 and this January -- the latter of which was a seven-year contract through 2032 that figures to take him to the end of his playing career.
“What Hosey has accomplished and will accomplish tonight is something truly special that I know he's excited about,” manager Stephen Vogt said before the game. “I'm just fortunate that I get to be here in attendance to see it. I've been a small part of being able to watch him play during this run that he's had, but it's a special night for Cleveland and for the franchise.”