GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- José Ramírez is not only the best player in the Guardians’ clubhouse, but he also is often recognized as one of its most fashionable. That extends to the superstar third baseman’s on-field gear, which Ramírez has taken to a new level this spring.
Ramírez debuted a custom belt during Cactus League play last week adorned with images of … himself! It not only looks as cool as it sounds, but he promptly broke it in by belting a home run in the Guardians’ 9-5 win over the D-backs on Feb. 23.
There’s swagger, and there’s José Ramírez swagger.
Style and fashion are important to Ramírez, and his flow has been on point this spring. Between his belt, multi-colored batting gloves and a black mitt with red and green accents, he continually expresses himself through his gear. It boils down to a classic truism: look good, feel good.
“[Fashion and style are] important because it makes me feel comfortable,” Ramírez said through team interpreter Agustin Rivero. “As you find new things to make yourself comfortable, the bottom line, that's what you want.
“You want to be comfortable on the field. So whatever makes me feel comfortable, I'll do it.”
Ramírez’s belt went viral on Wednesday, when he took it for a spin around the bases following his sixth-inning homer in Cleveland’s 11-4 loss to Texas. He actually designed the belt last year, but he had not worn it before this spring. He wanted something with his face on it, and the end result is an almost comic book-esque design.
The belt has Ramírez’s team headshot and action photos of him at the plate adorned across the leather, while the buckle has a Dominican Republic flag design. What’s Ramírez’s favorite part of the concept, you may ask?
“My face is everywhere on the belt,” he said.
Cleveland fans would certainly have the same explanation. This isn’t the first time Ramírez has donned some sweet gear featuring his likeness that has been a hit with fans. In 2021, he rocked a pendant in-game that included a picture of him wearing a chain.
Ramírez only wears that chain going to the ballpark these days, and it has a special meaning behind it. His children’s faces are on the back side, making it one of his personal favorites.
Ramírez has hit a pair of homers wearing his new belt this spring, and he came as close as can be to adding a third. Maybe it has some good luck in it. But let’s be honest: Whatever gear the guy is wearing, he’s going to play well.
“The real luck is my mindset and my mentality in the games,” Ramírez said.