This story was excerpted from Maria Guardado’s Giants Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
CAROLINA, Puerto Rico -- After an All-Star campaign with the Giants, Heliot Ramos found himself in demand when he returned home to Puerto Rico last month.
The 25-year-old outfielder was among the players who were invited to participate in the second El Dream Home Run Derby and Celebrity Softball Game, which was held Saturday night to benefit Jose Berríos’ Fundación La Makina and Javier Báez’s El Mago Foundation.
Ramos played third base for Team El Mago during the softball game, allowing him to take the field at Estadio Roberto Clemente Walker alongside fellow big leaguers like Francisco Lindor, Edwin Díaz, Jorge Polanco, Jurickson Profar, Emmanuel Rivera, Enrique Hernández, Willi Castro, Martín Maldonado and Jose Miranda.
Before the star-studded event, MLB.com chatted with Ramos about his rising profile and the Giants’ recent offseason activity.
What’s it like to be part of this event and help support Berríos and Báez’s foundations?
It’s great. It’s good to be here, obviously. We’re around a lot of great people and a lot of great players. It’s a blessing that they invited me and I get to be a part of this. It’s great for people in Puerto Rico, obviously. Great for the kids. I feel like anything that involves kids and involves helping communities and all that, it’s great work.
When did you get back to Puerto Rico?
I got back Nov. 22. So I’ve been here for a minute.
What have you been up to?
Just working out. Working out, getting better. I feel really good. Just getting ready for the season.
I know you usually play winter ball here. Did you just want to prioritize rest this offseason?
Yeah, a little bit. [President of baseball operations] Buster [Posey] was kind of like, "We’d rather have you resting and getting better." But at the same time, I’ve been doing some stuff. I’ve been going to baseball Little Leagues and all that. They were giving out uniforms for a league, so I was there. I’ve been to a couple of places.
What did you think when you saw Buster take over as the president of baseball operations?
I love that. I mean, who’s better than Buster to take over that? I think we have a good future. I think we’re going on the right track. And now with the Willy Adames signing, it’s amazing. I love that. Another Hispanic guy. A great baseball player. I can’t wait to meet him and see how he is as a person.
Have you talked to Adames at all?
Not really, but I’ve heard nothing but good things from other people.
Do you think the Giants are going to make more big moves?
I hope so. Let’s see.
I know you were close with hitting coach Justin Viele. What was it like seeing him go to the Rangers?
That’s sad, but at the end of the day, if it’s good for him and that’s convenient for him, that’s all that matters, obviously. I’m going to miss him, for sure, but I keep in contact with him. We’re super close.
I’m sure you worked with Damon Minor a lot at Triple-A Sacramento. What’s it going to be like to have him on the big league staff?
That’s my guy. I didn’t know who [the new hitting coach] was going to be, and the fact that they kept it within the organization and people that we actually know is super fun and something great.
Obviously, you’re coming off such a big season -- was it any different going back home as an All-Star?
There’s a lot going on. I’ve been doing a lot of things. I’ve just been all over the place nonstop. I love it, but I hope I can get to rest a little bit.
Do you get recognized more often?
Oh yeah, for sure. Not crazy like Lindor or guys like that, but I get recognized.
Is there more Giants gear in your hometown?
For sure. They’re wearing my jersey and all that. It’s funny.