Just read GQ’s September issue, featuring an “oral history” of Manny, by Nate Penn. Great stuff, featuring interviews of his high school coaches, former scouts, former and present teammates, and others. Pretty much just illustrates the conventional wisdom surrounding Manny Ramirez i.e. he’s just a great hitter, somewhat goofy and kid-like, not too into his money. About the only thing it may add to that conventional wisdom is how much he studies video to hit like he does, but us good Sox fans know that. The stories, though, are fascinating. My favourite quote:
“He once hit a home run with a broken bat. I asked him, ‘Manny, you broke your bat on that pitch, right?’ And he says, ‘No, it was broken before I went up to the plate. I just like that bat.” - Sheldon Ocker, Akron Beacon Journal sportswriter.
A goofball who hits like Thor. More, please. Now if only he’d update the game logs on his website more often…