ATLANTA -- José Ramírez can’t stop making franchise history.
And we know he won’t stop anytime soon, too.
Ramírez (who became the Cleveland franchise leader in games played on Monday) added another feather to his decorated cap on Saturday in a 6-0 win over the Braves. With his first-inning solo home run vs. Martín Pérez, Ramírez became the first Cleveland player to go deep against each of MLB's 29 other teams, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
“Proud of myself,” Ramírez said through team interpreter Agustin Rivero. “Thank God for that, but I'm really proud of that accomplishment."
Ramírez got an 0-2 changeup from Pérez over the heart of the plate. He belted it a Statcast-projected 408 feet over the left-field fence at Truist Park, with a 108.1 mph exit velocity.
The home run marked Ramírez’s second this season and No. 287 in his stellar big league career. He hit his first on Aug. 9, 2014, off Yankees right-hander Brandon McCarthy at Yankee Stadium. Ramírez (who was 21 years old at the time) vividly recalled the thrill he felt in that moment.
“The first one, I was going crazy,” Ramírez said. “I remember I came from the Minors where I wasn't hitting many homers and that one felt like I was just going nuts.”
Ramírez has done his most damage against the White Sox (35 career home runs), Tigers (35), Royals (32) and Twins (27), all of whom are AL Central division rivals. The Angels are the only other team he has hit at least 20 home runs against. Ramírez has belted 21 against them in just 60 career games.
Among National League opponents, Ramírez has done his most damage against the Reds (13 home runs), which also makes sense given the Guardians play them in two series each season. Truist Field marked the 30th ballpark at which Ramírez has hit a home run, which includes Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in 2018.
During Saturday's win, Ramírez's baserunning also loomed large. He stole two bases, one of which helped the Guardians add insurance runs. Ramírez drew a two-out walk in the ninth inning and stole second, while Angel Martínez (who had reached on a double) took third for the double steal. They both scored moments later on a Daniel Schneemann single to center field.
Ramírez is on the precipice of becoming only the ninth player in MLB history with 300 homers and 300 steals in a career. He’s at 291 steals after Saturday, which provided more proof of the all-around impact he continues to have on the Guardians.
“Hosey’s the best player in the game,” manager Stephen Vogt said. “We know that. Baserunning is probably his best skill. He's such a great hitter, but he's one of the best baserunners in the game. He's smart and knows the game.
"Him and Angel teaming up for the double steal to get the two more insurance runs in scoring position, he's always thinking ahead.”