José Ramírez Makes History With 1,000th Career RBI

José Ramírez has added yet another milestone to his legendary career in Cleveland.

The Guardians superstar recorded the 1,000th RBI of his career with a solo home run against the Athletics, becoming just the second player in franchise history to reach 1,000 RBIs, joining Cleveland legend Earl Averill.

For Ramírez, it’s another accomplishment in a career that started with little fanfare.

Cleveland signed Ramírez as an international free agent out of the Dominican Republic in 2009. He wasn’t viewed as a highly touted prospect and received a signing bonus of just $50,000 before working his way through Cleveland’s minor-league system.

Ramírez eventually made his MLB debut with the Cleveland Indians in 2013 at just 20 years old. Initially serving as a utility player, he gradually earned a permanent spot in the lineup before developing into one of the best all-around players in baseball.

Since then, J-Ram has become the face of Cleveland baseball.

Ramírez has earned seven All-Star selections and six Silver Slugger Awards, while finishing near the top of American League MVP voting multiple times. He was also a key piece of the Indians team that captured the 2016 American League pennant and came within one victory of winning the World Series.

His rare combination of power, speed and consistency has also placed him alongside some of baseball’s biggest names. Ramírez has recorded three seasons with at least 30 doubles, 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases, joining Barry Bonds and Alfonso Soriano as the only players in MLB history to accomplish the feat three times.

Now, more than a decade after making his debut for the Indians, Ramírez has another number attached to his résumé:

1,000 career RBIs.

From an overlooked international signing to one of the greatest players in Cleveland baseball history, José Ramírez continues to build a legacy that will be remembered in Northeast Ohio long after his playing days are over.