CLEVELAND, Ohio — In a remarkable display of talent and determination, José Ramírez drove in the tying run on Thursday with an RBI single off Minnesota's Justin Topa during the 10th inning. He then stole second base, marking his 250th career steal. This impressive feat placed him in an exclusive club of players who have achieved at least 250 home runs and 250 stolen bases. The Cleveland Guardians ultimately secured a thrilling 4-3 victory against the Twins with a walk-off single from Angel Martínez.
As Ramírez stood on second base, he pointed to the scoreboard that displayed his remarkable achievement. However, he emphasized that his primary focus was on helping his team win. “At that moment, the last thing you’re thinking is any milestones of personal records,” Ramírez stated through Guardians interpreter Agustin Rivero. “I was smiling. It was a good moment, but especially seeing all the guys in the dugout cheering and chanting my name. That’s what made me smile.”
José Ramírez has made history as the first player in Guardians franchise history to achieve at least 250 home runs and 250 stolen bases. His 250 steals place him fourth in the franchise's all-time rankings, trailing behind legends like Terry Turner (254), Omar Vizquel (279), and Kenny Lofton (452). Additionally, with 260 career home runs, he ranks second only to Jim Thome, who hit 337 home runs.
In the grand landscape of Major League Baseball, Ramírez is the 24th player to join the prestigious 250/250 club and is the only active player among this elite group. He shares this honor with Carlos Beltran (435 HR, 312 SB) as the only switch-hitters to reach these numbers. Notably, Ramírez is the only primary third baseman, having spent over 75% of his career games at third base, to achieve the 250/250 milestone.
Guardians manager Stephen Vogt lauded Ramírez as a rare talent who brings joy to the game. “It’s a testament to hard work for a really long time and being really, really good for a long time,” Vogt remarked. He further noted the extraordinary level of care Ramírez takes to prepare his body for each game. “You have to work hard and you have to continue to push yourself to get better in all areas,” Vogt added. “Hosey does that day in and day out and he models that for the rest of our players.”
While Ramírez expressed happiness about reaching the milestone, he emphasized that staying healthy and contributing to team victories are his top priorities. “For me, the really important part is to keep playing and trying to win,” he stated. “Winning is the most important thing for me, and I feel still young. I feel like I can still continue doing this.” Ramírez underscored that his primary goal remains winning, regardless of personal achievements.
Martínez praised Ramírez as an exemplary figure for young players, stating, “I feel blessed and fortunate to have him on my team. I get to see that in person every day, and I think that’s the best way to learn and to understand how you have to prepare and go out there and compete.”
Pitcher Ben Lively, who contributed to Cleveland’s third consecutive start of at least 5 2/3 innings, described Ramírez as one of the greatest players he has ever encountered. “That guy’s the best,” Lively said with a smile. “Just how much he cares every single day. There’s no telling what he’s going to finish at, and it’s just so cool how much he has left in him.”
