Former Red Sox Player Manny Ramirez Says He's A 'New Man' Thanks to Jesus, Church
Former Boston Red Sox player Manny Ramirez says he's a "new man" thanks to his faith in Jesus.
The former MLB player made his statement at a celebration honoring the 2004 Boston Red Sox World Series championship team at Fenway Park in Boston, Mass., on Wednesday evening. The former Red Sox player, who coined the phrase "Manny Being Manny" for his quirky, unpredictable behavior, told reporters prior to the event that his faith in Jesus has made him realized that he "behaved bad" in Boston.
In 2011, Ramirez was arrested on charges of domestic battery after an incident with his wife, Juliana, although the charges were later dropped when his spouse reportedly refused to cooperate with the investigation.
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"To be honest, I've been in church now for almost four years, me and my wife. Now, I realize that I behaved bad in Boston," Ramirez said at Wednesday evening's event. "The fans, they were great. I also played great when I was over here. I really realize that I behaved bad. I apologize for that, but I'm a new man. That's what Jesus said, and that's what I believe."
The former pro-player went on to discuss his new career opportunity: working as a coach and part-time player for the Iowa Cubs, the Triple A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs.
"That's a blessing from God," said Ramirez of his new job opportunity. "I can go over there and give those kids my testimony, what to do in the field and what not to do off the field. It's going to be a blast. We're going to go out and have fun out there."
Ramirez was a member of the 2004 Red Sox team that led the east coast city to a World Series victory after an 86-year-old dry spell that some called the "Curse of the Bambino," that allegedly began after the Red Sox sold Babe Ruth, nicknamed "The Bambino," to the New York Yankees in 1919.
Ramirez, originally from the Dominican Republic, has become known for his batting skill and power. He won the World Series' "Most Valuable Player" award in 2004 and is also a member of the MLB's Latino Legends team.
