The Provocative Comedy of José Ramírez: Guiding the Guardians On and Off the Field
José Ramírez, the Cleveland Guardians' star third baseman, is known for more than just his on-field performance. His unique sense of humor and leadership style have been crucial to the team's success, especially during challenging times. This article explores how Ramírez's personality helps keep the team loose and focused.
Ramírez's Clubhouse Presence
From joking about crocodiles in Lake Erie to playfully teasing teammates, Ramírez creates a relaxed atmosphere in the clubhouse. He has evolved from a quiet player to a vocal leader, making rookies and veterans alike feel welcome. His actions, more than his words, inspire the team, as highlighted by catcher Austin Hedges: "Everything starts with José."
A recent anecdote involving pitcher Alex Cobb illustrates Ramírez's humor. Cobb, new to the team, asked Ramírez if he lived near Lake Erie, expecting a luxurious waterfront property. Ramírez deadpanned, "Too many crocodiles," a joke that quickly became a running gag.
Connecting with Teammates
Ramírez has a knack for connecting with players from all backgrounds. He playfully banters with rookies like C.J. Kayfus and playfully interacts with veterans like Erik Sabrowski. As David Fry noted, "When I first got called up, I’m like, ‘That’s José Ramírez. Don’t get in his way.’ Then you see him slapping Brayan Rocchio in the back of the head. It’s like, ‘Oh. He’s calm, chill.’"
He also finds unique ways to ease tension, like jokingly telling reporters that Steven Kwan was on his “last day” amid trade rumors. “I’m not trying to be funny,” Ramírez told The Athletic. “This is who I am.”
Leadership Through Humor and Mentorship
Ramírez learned from veterans like Mike Napoli, who showed him the importance of connecting with teammates regardless of background. Now, Ramírez mentors younger players like Angel Martínez, Gabriel Arias, and Brayan Rocchio. He offers both playful teasing and honest critiques to help them improve. As field coordinator Kai Correa noted, Ramírez knows when to give "the last kick in the ass" to push players to reach their potential.
His impact is felt even by players who only briefly pass through the organization, as seen with Estevan Florial. George Valera, a recent addition to the roster, has also quickly become close to Ramírez.
A Master of Psychological Warfare
Ramírez's humor often involves a bit of "shock value," as described by Steven Kwan. He keeps teammates on their toes with unexpected comments and playful challenges. This includes everything from high-stakes Mario Kart wagers with Tyler Freeman to mock contract negotiations with the team president.
One coach described Ramírez's evaluations of teammates as “Zack Greinke-esque folklore,” highlighting his brutally honest, yet ultimately helpful, assessments. Kwan summarized his approach: "He's going through his routines, getting ready for the day and then the smallest thing will happen and he'll go 100% yelling at this person, teasing them... Outside looking in, it's like, 'Wow, he's pissed at this guy.' But you know he's just yelling because he wants to be a diva today."
José Ramírez's Impact and Achievements
The Guardians are experiencing an exceptional season so far. Ramírez's performance on the field, combined with his impact in the clubhouse, has solidified his place as a franchise icon. Ramírez has had a remarkable season and just achieved a rare feat, as he has become one of just 25 players in MLB history to record 250 home runs and 250 stolen bases in their career.
As of September 17, 2025, entering his 33rd birthday, he has 28 home runs, 39 stolen bases, and just 68 strikeouts. The only player in MLB history with better numbers in all three categories through a team’s first 150 games is Willie Mays (1956; 35 HR, 39 SB, 62 SO).
Guardians News and Notes: Appreciating Jose Ramirez
In addition to leading the team, Ramírez is also nearing several individual milestones. He needs 2 home runs for 30, 2 stolen bases for 40, 1 double for 30, 8 runs for 100, and .5 fWAR for 6 fWAR. Kyle Manzardo needs 4 home runs for 30. Slade Cecconi needs 2 K’s, Cade Smith 4 K’s & Joey Cantillo 8 K’s for 100 strikeouts. Tanner Bibee needs 4 and 1/3rd innings pitched and Williams 18 and 1/3rd innings pitched for 175.
Cleveland Baseball Mount Rushmore Debate
Discussions are ongoing regarding the Cleveland baseball Mount Rushmore. Potential candidates include Nap Lajoie, Tris Speaker, Lou Boudreau, Bob Feller, Jim Thome, Larry Doby, José Ramírez, and Satchel Paige. Some suggest including at least one player from each World Series-winning team, such as Speaker, Boudreau, Feller, and José.
The Astros beat the Rangers, so they are 2.5 games up on the Guardians. It doesn’t affect the Guardians, but the Twins shutting out the Yankees 7-0 was hilarious.
The Road Ahead
With Ramírez leading the way, the Guardians are making a push for the playoffs. His light-hearted leadership style and unwavering commitment to winning have been instrumental in navigating the season's challenges. His teammates and coaches recognize his unique ability to balance silliness with fierce competitiveness, making him an invaluable asset to the Cleveland Guardians.
